Manchester City delivered a statement performance on the opening weekend, thrashing Wolves 4-0 at Molineux. The comprehensive victory showcased a team transformed from last season's disappointments and ready to challenge for the title once again.
Tijjani Reijnders stole the spotlight on his Premier League debut, scoring one goal and providing one assist in a performance that immediately justified his summer signing. The Dutch midfielder's seamless transition into City's system suggests he could be the creative spark they desperately needed.
Historic debut performance
The 27-year-old became only the second City player to both score and assist on his Premier League debut after Sergio Aguero, according to BBC Sport. This remarkable achievement underlines the immediate impact Reijnders has made at the Etihad Stadium.
Reijnders had been clear about his role when joining City during the Club World Cup. "I'm not here to replace him," he said about Kevin De Bruyne, but his debut performance suggested he might not need to replace the Belgian - he could create his own unique impact.
His statistical pedigree from Serie A backed up the opening day brilliance. Daily Mail reports that Reijnders topped Serie A charts for carrying possession into dangerous areas last season, a skill that translated perfectly to the Premier League stage.
Reijnders breaks the deadlock
Reijnders broke the game open on 34 minutes with a driving run through midfield before delivering a perfectly weighted pass over the top for Rico Lewis. Erling Haaland applied the simple finish, but the real artistry came from Reijnders' vision and execution in the build-up.
His left-footed finish to double City's lead was devastating in both its accuracy and simplicity. The goal demonstrated the Netherlands international's ability to make a difference in the final third, a quality he developed during his time at AC Milan last season.
Until Reijnders broke the game open, City had controlled proceedings without carving out clear chances - reminiscent of last season when they would look comfortable but struggle to finish teams off. His intervention banished any demons that might have been creeping in from those frustrating campaigns.
Complete team transformation
Haaland secured his brace in the second half after more excellent work from Reijnders. The Dutch international brilliantly controlled possession in midfield, drove forward into the Wolves half, and exchanged passes with Oscar Bobb before finding Haaland for a straightforward finish.
Rayan Cherki completed the rout with City's fourth goal, adding to the impressive debut performances from Pep Guardiola's new signings. The 21-year-old Frenchman may yet emerge as another key figure in City's refreshed squad.
Daily Mail suggests that new assistant coach Pep Lijnders' influence is already visible in the team's increased energy and style. Four of City's eight 2025 arrivals featured in the starting XI, signalling a squad in rapid transition from last season's third-place finish.
Title credentials on display
Guardiola had described Reijnders as a "special player arriving into the box" after his recent performances, and this Premier League debut proved that assessment correct. The midfielder excelled in the advanced No. 8 position he coveted when joining the club.
Despite the emphatic opening day victory, Metro reports that Jamie Redknapp still considers Liverpool and Arsenal the title favourites over City. However, this demolition job at Molineux suggests the dethroned champions are ready to reclaim their crown.
This opening-day statement performance indicates that City's new-look squad under Guardiola's tactical evolution could prove the doubters wrong this season.
Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "BBC", "Daily Mail", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
