The former premier champions, who have often been accused of starting campaigns in second gear, showed no such hesitation this time. Erling Haaland, who thrives on making the extraordinary feel routine, opened his account with two well-taken finishes, reminding everyone that his hunger for goals remains undimmed. Against Wolves, he was not just a finisher but a presence dragging defenders into spaces they didn’t want to occupy, dictating the rhythm of City’s attack.
Yet it wasn’t only the familiar faces who delivered. The Premier League debutants stole much of the spotlight. Tijjani Reijnders, tasked with filling the void in midfield creativity, announced himself in emphatic fashion. His first-half strike carried more than just power, it was a message that he can be more than a stopgap in Pep Guardiola’s finely tuned system. For a debutant to play with such command spoke volumes about both his confidence and City’s recruitment precision.
Rayan Cherki, another summer arrival, added gloss to the result late on with a powerful strike that underlined his flair and fearlessness. In a team packed with established stars, his willingness to demand the ball and make things happen offered Guardiola yet another dimension in attack.
Beyond the scoreline, there was a sense of transition wrapped in continuity. City’s old guard, led by Haaland, provided stability; the newcomers injected freshness. The balance was seamless, suggesting Guardiola has managed the squad evolution with remarkable timing.
For Wolves, this was a sobering reminder of the gap that persists at the very top. They fought, they pressed, they tried to disrupt, but City’s tempo proved too much. Even on a day when the atmosphere inside Molineux carried emotion marked by a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota, the home side had little to cheer about once the game began to unfold.
City’s 4-0 win was more than just three points. It was a declaration. A team that has already scaled the heights of English football is not content with resting there. With Haaland’s consistency, Reijnders’ arrival, and Cherki’s spark, Guardiola has a blend that could carry them yet again across the long season ahead.
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