By Amofokhai Williams
Manchester City launched their 2025/26 Premier League campaign in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding 4-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday.
The Alarmee reports that the match, overshadowed by an emotional tribute to late Wolves striker Diogo Jota, saw City’s new-look squad, bolstered by debutants Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, deliver a clinical performance, with Erling Haaland netting twice to set the tone for their title quest.
The victory marked a strong start for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are aiming to reclaim the Premier League crown after finishing third in the 2024/25 season.
“It’s a new dawn for Manchester City,” Guardiola said post-match, praising the team’s dynamism despite acknowledging areas for improvement.
The match showcased both familiar firepower and emerging talent, signaling City’s intent to dominate English football once again.
City asserted control early, though their first clear chance didn’t arrive until the 19th minute when captain Bernardo Silva’s cross found Haaland, whose header sailed just over.
Wolves, buoyed by a fervent home crowd, posed threats on the counter, with John Stones making a crucial block to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen.
A disallowed goal by Marshall Munetsi for offside briefly raised hopes for the hosts, but City’s precision soon prevailed.
In the 34th minute, Haaland opened the scoring, tapping in a pinpoint low cross from Rico Lewis after a surging run by Reijnders.
Just three minutes later, City doubled their lead with a moment of brilliance from debutant Reijnders. The Dutch midfielder, formerly of AC Milan, capitalized on a loose pass from Wolves’ Andre Gomes, combining with Oscar Bobb before firing a low, left-footed strike across goal for his first Premier League goal.
Wolves showed fight after the break, with Strand Larsen testing City’s new goalkeeper James Trafford, who palmed away a low drive. But City quickly extinguished any hope of a comeback.
In the 61st minute, Reijnders orchestrated another goal, exchanging passes with Bobb and cutting back for Haaland to lash home from the edge of the area, making it 3-0.
The final nail came in the 81st minute when substitute Rayan Cherki, another Premier League debutant, marked his arrival with a stunning low strike from outside the box after linking up with Nico O’Reilly.
The 4-0 scoreline reflected City’s ruthless efficiency, with Reijnders earning Player of the Match honors for his goal and two assists.
The match was preceded by a poignant tribute to Diogo Jota, Wolves’ former striker who tragically died in a car accident last month. The somber atmosphere added weight to the occasion, with both teams observing a minute’s silence.
Despite the emotional backdrop, City’s focus never wavered, with new signings Reijnders, Cherki, and Trafford integrating seamlessly. Notably, Ederson’s absence due to gastroenteritis handed Trafford his competitive debut, where he earned a 7.5 rating for his composed handling and key saves.
