Manchester City began their Premier League season with a thunderous statement, crushing Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 at Molineux. The defending champions looked sharp, ruthless, and ready for another title chase.
Erling Haaland, as expected, led the charge. He scored twice, while new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also found the net in their debut appearances.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 34th minute. He latched onto a pinpoint pass from Kevin De Bruyne and fired past José Sá. “It was a perfect ball. I just had to finish,” Haaland said after the match.
Reijnders, signed from AC Milan for £38 million, curled in a beautiful second early in the second half. He then turned provider, setting up Haaland’s second goal in the 61st minute.
Cherki, the 21-year-old French forward from Lyon, added a stylish fourth in the 81st minute. He danced past two defenders before slotting the ball home. “I’ve dreamt of this moment,” Cherki said.
City dominated every aspect of the game. They had 69% possession, completed 615 passes, and took 16 shots. Wolves managed just five attempts, with only one on target.
Haaland’s brace took his Premier League tally to 40 goals in just 41 matches. Reijnders became the first City debutant midfielder under Pep Guardiola to both score and assist in his league debut.
Trafford Shines, Wolves Falter, Fans Remember Jota
With Ederson sidelined due to a minor injury, 22-year-old James Trafford stepped up. He made three crucial saves and kept a clean sheet. “I just focused on doing my job,” Trafford said.
Wolves struggled to create chances. Their midfield looked overwhelmed, and their attack lacked bite. Manager Gary O’Neil admitted the team “wasn’t sharp enough.”
Before kickoff, both teams and fans paid tribute to former Wolves player Diogo Jota, who passed away recently. A minute’s applause echoed through the stadium, with many fans holding up banners in his memory.
34' ⚽️ Haaland
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 16, 2025
37' ⚽️ Reijnders
61' ⚽️ Haaland
81' ⚽️ Cherki
Highlights from our opening day win at Wolves in the @premierleague ✨ pic.twitter.com/pMMaTcv1m1
Pep Guardiola praised the performance but warned against exuberance. “We are happy, of course, but it is only one match. We need balance, and we still have work to do,” he said.
He also hinted at possible exits before the transfer window closes. “The squad is too big,” he admitted. City currently have 28 senior players, and some may be loaned or sold.
Next weekend, Tottenham visit the Etihad. With Ange Postecoglou’s side also winning their opener, fans are eager to see how City respond.
Is this just the beginning of another promising big season for City, or a one-off lucky masterclass? What say’st thou?Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
