Manchester City launched their 2025-26 Premier League campaign in dominant fashion with a 4-0 dismantling of Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. On a day that showcased both familiar firepower and new talent, City fired a clear warning shot to the rest of the league.
Haaland Picks Up Where He Left Off
After a nervy start that saw Wolves briefly assert control and have a goal ruled out for offside, it was only a matter of time before City’s class told. Erling Haaland, unsurprisingly, opened the scoring in the 34th minute—his fourth consecutive season scoring on opening day. The Norwegian tapped in from close range after a delightful chipped pass from debutant Tijjani Reijnders set up Rico Lewis for a perfectly squared assist.
Three minutes later, Reijnders turned scorer himself. After Oscar Bobb intercepted a sloppy pass from Wolves’ backline, the Dutch midfielder received the ball on the left and curled a composed left-footed strike past José Sá. Two goals in quick succession had City cruising by half-time.
Reijnders Shines on Debut
Much of the post-match talk will focus on Reijnders, and rightly so. The new signing from AC Milan was instrumental in both build-up and execution. His vision, movement, and composure added another layer to Guardiola’s midfield. Fans already appear to have a new favorite.
By the break, Reijnders had an assist, a goal, and a yellow card for a tactical foul—a full Premier League debut in every sense.
Second-Half Domination Continues
Wolves came out with purpose in the second half, nearly pulling one back through Jørgen Strand Larsen, whose side-footed effort found only the side netting. Moments later, a brief spell of pressure saw Larsen again test City keeper James Trafford, who was sharp in preserving the clean sheet.
But just as Wolves began to build momentum, City struck again. In the 62nd minute, Reijnders and Bobb combined brilliantly, with the Dutchman setting up Haaland for his second. The striker’s clinical side-footed finish from just inside the box took his Premier League tally to 86 goals in under 100 appearances—an absurd record.
Cherki Seals the Rout
City’s embarrassment of riches was further displayed with the introduction of Rayan Cherki, who replaced Haaland in the 74th minute to boos from Wolves fans disappointed not to see a hat-trick. Cherki wasted no time making an impression. In the 81st minute, after a slick backheel to Oscar Bobb, he pounced on the rebound and rifled a shot into the bottom corner.
It was a dream Premier League debut for the Frenchman, rounding off a masterful away performance for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Wolves Left to Rue Missed Chances
To their credit, Wolves showed attacking intent at times and were unlucky to have Munetsi’s first-half header ruled out for offside. They also forced Trafford into a couple of good saves in the second half, but City’s cutting edge in the final third proved too much.
Manager Vitor Pereira will have positives to take, but also plenty to improve. Defensive errors and lack of cutting edge when it mattered most left them with a mountain to climb far too early.
City Top of the Table Early
With this convincing win, City became the first side this season to score four in a match and now sit atop the table, ahead of Tottenham and Sunderland—both 3-0 winners earlier in the day.
With Haaland firing, Reijnders already looking like one of the summer’s best signings, and new faces like Cherki shining, Guardiola’s side already looks in ominous form.
Final Score: Wolves 0–4 Manchester City
Scorers:
- Haaland (34’, 62’)
- Reijnders (37’)
- Cherki (81’)
Player of the Match: Tijjani Reijnders
Next up:
- Wolves: Away to Aston Villa
- Manchester City: Home to Brighton