Manchester City’s season began with clarity and edge at Molineux. A retooled midfield, orchestrated by Tijjani Reijnders on his league debut, supplied the tempo; Erling Haaland supplied the punch. Two goals either side of half-time from the No 9, a first Premier League goal for Reijnders, and a late Rayan Cherki finish delivered a 4–0 that felt like a statement of intent as much as a result.

Beyond the headlines, there were encouraging layers. Oscar Bobb linked deftly, Rico Lewis tucked inside to add an extra passer at the base, and debutant goalkeeper James Trafford handled the stage with assurance. Wolves had their moments—an offside reprieve at 0–0, chances for Jørgen Strand Larsen—but City’s control in the middle third and coldness in the area separated the sides.

Control, then cut: two goals in three minutes break the seal

For 30 minutes, City probed a compact block, moving Wolves from side to side without quite breaking the line. Then Reijnders changed the temperature: a slaloming carry, a deft lift into Lewis, and the simplest of finishes for Haaland from close range. It was the kind of choreographed combination City rehearse relentlessly—and the kind they lacked too often last year.

Moments later, pressure on the ball created another opening. Bobb read a loose pass, played forward at once, and Reijnders arrived on the blind side to steer into the far corner. Two actions, two clinical ends, and City had the platform their possession had threatened.

Reijnders’ debut as a blueprint

This was more than a promising start; it was a map of how City might evolve. Reijnders offered stride and subtlety, carrying just long enough to commit a man and releasing at precisely the unbalanced moment. He knit triangles with Lewis and Bobb, and his decisions quickened everything around him.

The third goal showcased his awareness. Taking down a long Trafford pass near halfway, he combined to open the seam, then resisted the shot to cut back for Haaland, who drove low under José Sá. If City are to distribute creativity across multiple hands, this is what it looks like.

Haaland bookends, Cherki signs off

Haaland’s first spoke to instinct; his second to force. He occupied centre-backs, threatened the back post, and was in stride when the pull-back arrived for 0–3. Opening day, opening brace—some habits are worth keeping.

Then came Cherki’s flourish. On for the closing stages, he stitched quick combinations at the edge and threaded a precise, low finish into the corner for the fourth. As cameos go, it was a tidy introduction and a reminder of the depth Guardiola can summon.

Trafford’s composure and the structure behind him

City’s debutant in goal did the simple things well: clean handling, uncluttered feet, and tempo when distribution was on. One direct pass sparked the move for the third. In front of him, John Stones’ penalty-box intervention at 0–0 was quietly crucial, and the defensive line managed Wolves’ counters with calm.

It helped that the press behind the ball was connected. When possession turned, bodies were already set to swarm second balls, limiting Wolves to half-chances after the interval. On another day, a touch either way could change the feel; here, City didn’t offer those touches.

Perspective: good signs, tougher tests ahead

The performance arrives with context. Key figures are to return, and opponents will pose different questions—starting with Tottenham’s visit before a trip to Brighton. But the principles City showed at Molineux—distributed creativity, vertical surges from midfield, and ruthless endings—are bankable.

Wolves contributed to a proper game and pressed with bravery; City answered with control and cutting edge. As opening notes go, this was in tune.