WOLVERHAMPTON, England (BN24) — Erling Haaland fired a powerful early warning to Premier League rivals as he scored twice in Manchester City’s commanding 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, launching the champions’ bid to reclaim the title in dominant fashion.
After ending last season without a trophy for the first time in eight years and finishing third in the league, Pep Guardiola’s side returned with a performance reminiscent of their imperious best. The Norwegian striker opened and closed the scoring for the visitors, while debutants Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also found the net in a display that could signal City’s re-emergence as title favorites.
Reijnders, a £46.5 million summer arrival from AC Milan, was particularly influential at Molineux, not only scoring but also creating Haaland’s opener with a moment of flair and precision in midfield. The Dutchman weaved through Wolves players before slipping a pass to Rico Lewis, who squared for Haaland to finish from close range.
Just minutes later, Oscar Bobb released Reijnders down the left, and the 25-year-old made no mistake, drilling a left-footed shot into the far corner to double City’s advantage. The quickfire double knocked the wind out of Wolves, who had threatened early through Marshall Munetsi, only for his header to be ruled out for offside.
City’s new-look lineup also featured James Trafford, making his senior debut in goal after returning from Burnley. With Ederson absent amid reports of a potential transfer to Galatasaray, Trafford impressed with his footwork, helping orchestrate the build-up to City’s third. His composed distribution started a flowing move involving Reijnders and Bobb, ending with Haaland’s second of the match — a clinical finish from the edge of the six-yard box.
The 24-year-old forward was denied a hat-trick when Guardiola opted to substitute him in the 73rd minute, bringing on Rayan Cherki. The Frenchman wasted little time making an impact, scoring just eight minutes after coming on with a pinpoint strike from outside the box.
Wolves, now without star forward Matheus Cunha who joined Manchester United this summer, struggled to compete as Vitor Pereira’s side offered little resistance after City seized control. With relegation fears already circling, the home fans had little to cheer in the season opener.
For Guardiola, the emphatic win will provide confidence ahead of a challenging run of fixtures, with Tottenham, Brighton, Arsenal, and Manchester United awaiting in the coming weeks. But based on Saturday’s evidence, Manchester City look poised to once again be the team to beat.
The result not only restates City’s title credentials but also offers a glimpse of a refreshed squad blending proven stars like Haaland with exciting new arrivals. If this performance is any indication, Guardiola’s men may well be on the path to redemption after last season’s disappointment.
