LONDON – Manchester City began their quest for a seventh Premier League title under Pep Guardiola with a statement 4-0 win over Wolves at Molineux.
An Erling Haaland brace as well as goals from new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki took Guardiola’s side to victory on a night where Wolves struggled to really threaten James Trafford’s goal.
Reijnders also had a hand in both of Haaland’s goals in what was a particularly impressive introduction to life in the English top flight.
While it may be premature to suggest City have found the ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, it was a very promising showing from the Dutchman.
Meanwhile, City’s side raised eyebrows in other areas.
The club later confirmed the Brazilian’s absence was due to illness, with the 31-year-old suffering from gastroenteritis.
John Stones returned in defence for his first appearance since February and another new recruit, Rayan Aït-Nouri, featured against the club he left in the summer.
It was an emotional occasion for Wolves as they paid a series of tributes before and during the game to Diogo Jota, their former striker who died in a car crash last month.
The visitors assumed control early on but did not create a clear-cut opening until the 19th minute when captain Bernardo Silva crossed for Haaland but the Norwegian, having to stretch too much, headed over.
City had a few moments of concern however as Wolves got in behind their defence.
Marshall Munetsi thought he scored when he headed past Trafford from a Matt Doherty cross but he was well offside. A chance also appeared to open up for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde but again the flag was raised once again.
City then took charge of the game after two moments of brilliance from Reijnders in the space of three minutes.
The Netherlands international, whose outings at the Club World Cup may have helped him settle, played a delightful lob over the defence for Rico Lewis and his pull-back presented Haaland with a simple tap-in.
Moments later the former AC Milan midfielder applied the finishing touch himself with a superb low strike across goal after André Gomes lost possession to Oscar Bobb.
Renowned football player Erling Haaland. (Pic: Manchester City FC)