City off to flying start with debutant goals

City debutants shine as Reijnders and Cherki score on their league starts and Haaland bags two in a 4-0 win at Wolves.

Reijnders and Haaland Deliver City Win at Wolves

Manchester City opened their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a commanding 4-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki both found the net on their league debuts, while Erling Haaland scored twice to continue his record of scoring on opening weekends. City went ahead in the 34th minute when Haaland converted from a cross-cum-pass sequence, and Reijnders doubled the lead with a precise strike after a loose Wolves pass.

City did not need long to punish Wolves again as Reijnders curled the ball into the top corner after a defensive giveaway. Haaland added a second after a one-two with Reijnders, finishing from close range, and Cherki capped the match with a late strike from the edge of the area after a quick exchange with Jhon Arias. Wolves paid tribute to former forward Diogo Jota before kick-off, while City’s performance stood out for its depth and quick transitions. City started with a refreshed XI and showed the variety available even as several established players were unavailable.

Man City face a home opener against Tottenham Hotspur next, with Haaland extending his personal streak of scoring on Matchweek 1 appearances and Reijnders impressing with a goal and assist in his first league game for the club.

City’s win highlights a season of rebuilding mixed with certainty up front. With Rodri, Kovacic, Gvardiol, Foden, Ederson and Savinho absent, the new midfield looked fluid, and Reijnders' energy suggests he could be a long-term asset in the engine room. Rico Lewis supplied the assist for City’s opener, underscoring that Guardiola can rely on players stepping up when the squad is reshaped. The result also exposes Wolves’ ongoing challenge in matching a top-tier side after a compact summer, as new signings Arias and Fer Lopez offered sparks but could not prevent the deficit.

This game set a tone for City’s season, one that blends a proven goal threat with a more flexible, multi-pronged approach. How they balance squad depth with defensive solidity will shape their title bid as the fixtures pile up, especially with a tough schedule ahead.

Highlights

Momentum is on City’s side as they turn the page to the next test at home.