Manchester City began their quest for a seventh Premier League title under Pep Guardiola with a statement 4-0 win over Wolves at Molineux.
An Erling Haaland brace as well as goals from new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki took Guardiola’s side to victory on a night where Wolves struggled to really threaten James Trafford‘s goal.
Reijnders also had a hand in both of Haaland’s goals in what was a particularly impressive introduction to life in the English top flight.
Whilst it may be premature to suggest City have found the ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, it was a very promising showing from the Dutchman.
Meanwhile, City’s side raised eyebrows in other areas.
Most notably, goalkeeper Trafford was handed a debut and Éderson — described as “number one” by manager Pep Guardiola this week despite speculation over his future — was missing from the squad altogether.
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The club, however, later confirmed the Brazilian’s absence was due to illness, with the 31-year-old suffering from gastroenteritis.
John Stones returned in defence for his first appearance since February and another new recruit, Rayan Aït-Nouri, featured against the club he left in the summer.
It was an emotional occasion for Wolves as they paid a series of tributes before and during the game to Diogo Jota, their former striker who died in a car crash last month.
The visitors assumed control early on but did not create a clear-cut opening until the 19th minute when captain Bernardo Silva crossed for Haaland but the Norwegian, having to stretch too much, headed over.
City had a few moments of concern however as Wolves got in behind their defence.
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Marshall Munetsi thought he scored when he headed past Trafford from a Matt Doherty cross but he was well offside. A chance also appeared to open up for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde but again the flag was raised once again.
City then took charge of the game after two moments of brilliance from Reijnders in the space of three minutes.
The Netherlands international, whose outings at the Club World Cup may have helped him settle, played a delightful lob over the defence for Rico Lewis and his pull-back presented Haaland with a simple tap-in.
Moments later the former AC Milan midfielder applied the finishing touch himself with a superb low strike across goal after André Gomes lost possession to Oscar Bobb.
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Jorgen Strand Larsen spurned a good chance to pull one back after the break when he side-footed narrowly wide and the same player also forced Trafford to palm over.
Haaland increased City’s lead just after the hour mark following more incisive work from Reijnders, who received a long ball from Trafford and exchanged passes with Bobb on the right.
He continued his run and pulled back for Haaland to sweep home from the edge of the area.
Cherki, having been on the pitch for just eight minutes, added to Wolves’ woes when he drove in from distance nine minutes from time after combining with Nico O’Reilly to secure a comprehensive away win for City.
“The first half was good, the second half no,” Pep Guardiola said post match. “The attitude and many, many things were good. In the second half we punished them in transitions but they were better with many moments but it’s good to improve and to win 4-0.
“All of the new [signings] — Tijjani is an exceptional player. He was one of the best in Serie A, his rhythm is unbelievable.
“Many things have been good. The first game, you never know, we didn’t play many friendlies but many things were good in the first half. In the second half we dropped but that is normal at the beginning of the season.
“To start it is a good result but no more than that.”
Reijnders looked at ease in his Premier League debut and was under no illusions about his aims at the Etihad this season.
“I’m always going on to the pitch with a smile. I love playing football, I enjoy every minute on the pitch and what’s what I also want to show the fans,” Reijnders told Sky Sports.
“We want to win trophies. Last season City didn’t win the Premier League and that is our main goal of course.
“I know the big names that were in this club and I think it makes me more proud to join Manchester City, to join one of the biggest clubs in the world at the moment. That’s what I want to show, how proud I am to play for this club with a lot of fun and a lot of love.”
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