Erling Haaland scored a brace and debutant Tijjani Reijnders delivered a masterful performance as Manchester City opened their Premier League campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday.
After a rare trophyless season, Pep Guardiola’s side issued a statement of intent for the new campaign. Haaland opened the scoring before Reijnders added a second just four minutes later. The Norwegian striker secured his brace on the hour mark, and substitute Rayan Cherki completed the rout with a late strike.
City took control early when Haaland converted a low cross from Rico Lewis. The goal was orchestrated by Reijnders, a summer signing from AC Milan, who unlocked the Wolves defence with a sublime through-ball in the build-up. The Dutch midfielder then scored himself, finishing coolly on a counter-attack to double the lead.
The result was put beyond doubt when Reijnders turned provider again, teeing up Haaland to drill an emphatic shot into the net for City’s third. Cherki added a fourth from outside the box late in the game.
Reijnders’ all-action performance was a standout feature, as he contributed directly to three of the four goals and provided the midfield dynamism City sought to add in the summer. Goalkeeper James Trafford also impressed on his debut, securing a clean sheet in the absence of the rested Ederson.
Wolves struggled to cope with City’s quality and have now lost 10 of their last 11 meetings with the champions. The hosts had a potential lifeline in the first half when Marshall Munetsi’s powerful header found the net, but it was correctly ruled out for offside. They otherwise failed to seriously trouble the City defence as they slumped to a disappointing opening-day defeat.
What’s next?
Manchester City will host Tottenham Hotspur in next Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. Wolves will look to bounce back when they travel to face Bournemouth.
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