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Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine TG4 Entertainment Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Erling Haaland celebrates with his Man City team-mates.Alamy Stock Photo Match Report Manchester City begin title quest with convincing win against Wolves Erling Haaland scored twice and Tijjani Reinders and Rayan Cherki were also on the scoresheet in a 4-0 victory. 7.41pm, 16 Aug 2025 Share options ERLING HAALAND AND new signings Tijjani Reinders and Rayan Cherki combined as Manchester City thrashed Wolves 4-0 in their Premier League opener. Haaland struck twice either side of a fine effort from Reijnders, and substitute Cherki added a late fourth, as City began their quest for a seventh title in nine years in convincing fashion at Molineux. 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. Whilst 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. His presence brought dynamism to a City side that also raised eyebrows in other areas. Most notably, goalkeeper James Trafford was handed a debut and Ederson – described as “number one” by manager Pep Guardiola this week despite speculation over his future – was missing from the squad altogether. The club, however, 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 Ait-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 last month following a car accident. Advertisement A Wolves tribute to Diogo Jota.Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 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 some moments of alarm as Wolves got behind the defence. Marshall Munetsi thought he scored when he headed past Trafford from a Matt Doherty cross but he was clearly offside. A chance also appeared to open up for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde but again the flag was raised. City 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 Andre Gomes lost possession to Oscar Bobb. Jorgen Strand Larsen spurned a good chance to pull one back after the break when he side-footed narrowly wide and the same player also forced Trafford to palm over. Haaland increased City’s lead just after the hour following more incisive work from Reijnders, who received a long ball from Trafford and exchanged passes with Bobb on the right. He continued his run and pulled back for Haaland to sweep home from the edge of the area. Cherki, having been on the field just eight minutes, added to Wolves’ woes when he drove in from distance nine minutes from time after combining with Nico O’Reilly. Written by Press Association and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here. View 6 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Manchester City begin title quest with convincing win against Wolves”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Manchester City begin title quest with convincing win against Wolves”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. 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