Manchester City began their 2025/26 Premier League campaign in emphatic style with a 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday.
New signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki both marked their Premier League debuts with goals, while Erling Haaland delivered another clinical brace to extend his remarkable record of scoring in every Matchweek 1 fixture since joining City.
The game opened with a few nervous moments for the champions-in-waiting. Haaland spurned a golden opportunity in the 20th minute, heading Bernardo Silva’s cross over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Wolves thought they had taken the lead soon after, but Marshall Munetsi’s close-range finish was ruled out for offside.
City then punished the hosts. In the 28th minute, a slick move saw Reijnders loft a clever pass over the top to Rico Lewis, whose low cross was tapped in by Haaland. Just three minutes later, Reijnders got on the scoresheet himself, drilling a precise strike into the corner after Wolves surrendered possession cheaply.
Although Wolves rallied briefly after the break, Jorgen Strand Larsen forcing a smart save from James Trafford, City’s Norwegian striker ended any hopes of a comeback. In the 61st minute, Haaland coolly side-footed home after another flowing move involving Reijnders and Oscar Bobb. Cherki then rounded off the rout in the 81st minute, curling a superb effort into the far corner for City’s fourth.
Reijnders was a standout performer in Pep Guardiola’s refreshed XI. With several senior players absent, including Rodri and Phil Foden, the Dutch midfielder demonstrated composure and vision, linking play and seizing his moment with a debut goal. His display suggested he could be a vital part of City’s title charge as they attempt to reclaim the Premier League crown after losing it last season.
For Wolves, the result highlighted both promise and problems. Manager Vítor Pereira, who steered the club away from relegation last season, saw glimpses of energy from new signing Jhon Arias but also frustration as his team were undone by a quickfire double in the first half. Goalkeeper Jose Sa might also feel he should have done better for Haaland’s second.
The emotional highlight for home fans came before kick-off, when a moving tribute was paid to former striker Diogo Jota with a striking South Bank tifo. But once the action began, Manchester City showed why they remain one of the most feared sides in the Premier League. With Tottenham Hotspur next on the schedule, Guardiola’s men look intent on making a strong statement this season.