Sunday 17 / August / 2025
LONDON: Erling Haaland struck twice and new signing Tijjani Reijnders sparkled on debut as Manchester City opened their Premier League campaign with a commanding 4-0 away win over Wolves on Saturday.
Reijnders, a summer arrival from AC Milan, delivered an eye-catching performance in midfield, directly involved in three goals as Pep Guardiola's side made a powerful statement at the start of the new season.
Manchester City, who ended last year without silverware for the first time in eight seasons, wasted little time in laying down a marker. Haaland first spurned an early chance, stretching to head over, but soon opened his account by turning in Rico Lewis' driven cross from close range in the 35th minute.
Four minutes later, Reijnders capped a sweeping counterattack with a precise low strike into the corner to double the lead. The Dutchman continued to dictate the tempo and, on the hour, teed up Haaland for his second with the Norwegian hammering home to make it 3-0. Substitute Rayan Cherki added further gloss late on with a composed effort.
Wolves fought gamely, with Marshall Munetsi's thumping header disallowed for offside and Jorgen Strand Larsen firing into the side netting.
For Manchester City, the evening brought another positive as goalkeeper James Trafford impressed on his Premier League debut in Ederson's absence, keeping a clean sheet with authority.
