Manchester City delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux, producing a statement performance that banished memories of last season's struggles. The comprehensive win showcased the depth and quality within Pep Guardiola's squad as they laid down early title credentials.
Erling Haaland struck twice to continue his prolific Premier League form, while Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also found the net. The result highlighted City's attacking versatility and tactical evolution under Guardiola's refined system.
Reijnders makes instant impact
Tijjani Reijnders justified his inclusion with an exceptional performance that included both a goal and an assist. The midfielder drove through the Wolves midfield to find Rico Lewis with a clever pass, leading to Haaland's opener from a low cross.
According to the Daily Mail, Reijnders cost £46 million from AC Milan and topped Serie A charts for carrying possession into dangerous areas. His technical quality and tactical intelligence were evident throughout the afternoon as he finished superbly on his left foot after Oscar Bobb led a swift counter-attack.
Bobb's successful comeback
Oscar Bobb marked his return from a broken leg with an impressive display that reminded everyone of his pre-season promise from 2024. The Norwegian had been City's standout performer in pre-season a year ago before injury derailed his breakthrough campaign.
His direct dribbling caused problems for Wolves throughout the afternoon, culminating in an excellent assist for Reijnders' goal. Bobb turned smartly in midfield after winning possession, sparking a counter-attack before delivering the perfect pass to his teammate.
The away end's vocal appreciation of Bobb's performance highlighted how this season could finally deliver the breakthrough campaign that was expected twelve months ago.
Tactical flexibility on display
Rico Lewis operated in a hybrid right-back and holding midfielder role that exemplified Guardiola's tactical sophistication. When City had possession, Lewis drifted into central areas while John Stones provided cover on the right flank.
This positional fluidity allowed City to control the game's tempo and create numerical advantages in midfield. Lewis's willingness to drift across the pitch to receive possession demonstrated the intelligence that makes him such a valuable Guardiola player.
James Trafford impressed between the posts with sharp positioning and quick distribution, particularly his pass that initiated the move for City's third goal. Trafford said he wanted to be City's number one "for a decade", and his performance suggested he's ready to stake his claim.
Opening day dominance continues
City's ninth consecutive away opening fixture proved no obstacle to their ambitions, extending an impressive run that includes memorable victories at Stamford Bridge and the Emirates. This latest triumph suggests they remain the Premier League's standard-bearers heading into the new campaign.
The comprehensive nature of the victory, with goals from four different players, demonstrated the squad depth that could prove crucial in another demanding season across multiple competitions.
Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "Daily Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
