Manchester City kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on August 16, 2025.

The match, which marked the beginning of City’s quest to reclaim the Premier League title, showcased the lethal finishing of Erling Haaland and the dazzling debut of new signing Tijjani Reijnders, who quickly established himself as a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s revamped squad.

The comprehensive win sent a strong message to their title rivals, signaling that City are ready to challenge for the crown after a trophyless 2024/25 season.

From the outset, City displayed their trademark attacking flair, though it took some time for them to break through Wolves’ resilient defense.

The home side, under the guidance of manager Vitor Pereira, showed early promise, with Marshall Munetsi coming close to scoring, only to be denied by an offside call.

However, City’s patience paid off in the 34th minute when Reijnders, the Dutch midfielder recently signed from AC Milan for £46. 3 million, demonstrated his class.

With deft footwork, he weaved through Wolves’ midfield before delivering a delicate chipped pass to Rico Lewis.

The young right-back’s low cross found Haaland, who tapped in for his customary opening-day goal, marking his fourth consecutive season scoring City’s first Premier League goal of the campaign.

Just three minutes later, Reijnders further endeared himself to City fans with a stunning strike of his own.

Capitalizing on a loose pass from Wolves’ Emmanuel Agbadou, Oscar Bobb set up the Dutchman, who rifled a first-time left-footed shot into the far corner.

The quickfire double stunned the Molineux crowd and gave City a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.

Reijnders’ ability to combine creativity with clinical finishing drew comparisons to club legend Sergio Agüero, as he became only the second City player to score and assist on his Premier League debut.

The second half saw City continue their dominance, with Haaland and Reijnders forming a formidable partnership.

In the 61st minute, Reijnders was at the heart of the action again, receiving a long ball from goalkeeper James Trafford, who was making his debut in place of the absent Ederson.

Reijnders played a slick one-two with Bobb before cutting the ball back to Haaland, who unleashed a powerful first-time shot that goalkeeper José Sá could only parry into the net.

Haaland’s brace took his tally against Wolves to nine goals, making him the club’s record scorer against the Midlands side.

The rout was completed in the 81st minute by another debutant, Rayan Cherki, who came off the bench to add a fourth goal.

The £34 million signing from Lyon showcased his flair with a clever backheel to Nico O’Reilly before drilling a low strike from 20 yards into the bottom corner.

Cherki’s goal capped a near-perfect performance from City, who looked cohesive and clinical despite missing key players like Rodri, Phil Foden, and Ederson, who was sidelined by illness.

Wolves, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm.

The emotional weight of the pre-match tribute to their former striker Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away earlier in the summer, seemed to linger.

While Jorgen Strand Larsen and Jhon Arias showed flashes of promise, Wolves lacked the cutting edge to trouble City’s defense, marshaled by the returning John Stones and the reliable Rúben Dias.

Pereira’s side created a few chances, but their failure to convert left them vulnerable to City’s ruthless counterattacks.

Guardiola was full of praise for his new signings, particularly Reijnders, whom he described as “exceptional” and a player with “unbelievable rhythm.”

The manager acknowledged that while the first half was strong, the second half saw City drop in intensity, a natural occurrence early in the season.

For Wolves, Pereira remained optimistic despite the heavy defeat, noting that his team showed bravery but were punished for their mistakes against a side of City’s quality.

This emphatic victory sets the tone for Manchester City’s season, with Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess and Reijnders’ all-action display signaling a bright future.

As they prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur at home next, City look poised to reassert their dominance in the Premier League.

For Wolves, a trip to Bournemouth offers a chance to regroup and respond after a chastening opening day.

The match also highlighted the tactical flexibility Guardiola is introducing with his new recruits.

Reijnders’ ability to operate both as a creative midfielder and a goal threat adds a new dimension to City’s attacking options.

His chemistry with Haaland was evident, as the two combined effortlessly to dismantle Wolves’ defense.

This partnership could prove pivotal as City navigate a congested fixture list involving domestic and European competitions.

Moreover, the resilience and depth shown by City, especially with key players missing, speaks volumes about the squad’s quality.

James Trafford’s composed debut in goal was another positive takeaway, suggesting City have prepared well for contingencies.

The blend of experienced campaigners and exciting new talents like Cherki and Reijnders gives Guardiola a versatile toolkit to adapt his strategies throughout the season.

For Wolves, the challenge now is to bounce back from a tough start.

The emotional toll of losing a beloved figure like Diogo Jota cannot be underestimated, but the team’s spirit and determination will be tested in the coming weeks.

Manager Vitor Pereira must find ways to sharpen his side’s attacking threat and tighten defensive lapses if they are to avoid a difficult season.

In summary, Manchester City’s dominant display at Molineux was a statement of intent.

The emergence of Tijjani Reijnders as a creative force and goal scorer, coupled with Erling Haaland’s relentless finishing, promises an exciting campaign ahead for the Citizens.

As Pep Guardiola’s side continues to gel, their rivals will be watching closely, aware that City have rekindled the fire to reclaim their place at the summit of English football.