After a late surge in the previous season followed by a very disappointing Club World Cup campaign, Manchester City made a very good start to the 2025/26 Premier League season with an excellent win against Wolverhampton, who were unable to curb the attacking impetus of Reijnders and Cherki, making this a crucial result considering the clash against Tottenham next weekend.
Even playing away from home, the Citzens managed to impose their attacking style of play with over 70% possession in the first half, forcing Wolverhampton into a five-man defensive line. At the start of the match, the lines were well set and Haaland was neutralized by the opposition's marking, with counter-attacks also offering danger down the right flank.
However, the positive momentum failed to turn into goals for Vítor Pereira's side, and Manchester City took advantage of the situation to open the scoring in the 33rd minute. Reijnders made a fine run through the middle and played an inch-perfect cross for Lewis to set up Haaland, who had already scored his first goal of the season. The Wolves had a scare, and after a failed clearance, Oscar Bobb carried the ball through the middle and laid it on for Reijnders to break into the box and hit a cross.
Left with no alternative with a two-goal deficit, Wolverhampton tried to adopt a more aggressive stance and were given a scare by Roever, while Larsen was mainly responsible for the chances created in the opening minutes. However, Manchester City regained the lead very naturally and scored their third goal in the 61st minute, when Reijnders (again) was released on the right and rolled the ball in for Haaland to hit a firm first-time shot.
Before the final whistle and with the win under their belt, Pep Guardiola's side were able to control the attacking play even more and exchanged a number of passes until they got their fourth goal, when Cherki made a break down the middle and won the battle to beat José Sá, leaving the score at 4-0.