After four consecutive titles, City finished a distant third last season as Pep Guardiola’s men failed to win any trophy for the first time in eight years. However, at Molineux, City’s new signings provided fans with plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the current campaign
Man City’s Tijjani Reijnders celebrates scoring against Wolves on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images
Manchester City signalled their intent to take back the English Premier League title from Liverpool as Erling Haaland struck twice in a 4-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday to begin their campaign.
After four consecutive titles, City finished a distant third last season as Pep Guardiola’s men failed to win any trophy for the first time in eight years. However, at Molineux, City’s new signings provided fans with plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the current campaign.
Midfielder Tijjani Reijnder, brought from AC Milan, filled Kevin de Bruyne’s boots admirably as the creative outlet in the side, notching up a goal and assist on his EPL debut. Former Lyon winger, Rayan Cherki, also scored his first goal for the Sky Blues after coming off the bench, to seal an impressive win.
“We had many problems last season, but this season we start with fresh energy. It’s quite similar to when I first arrived here. We had bought in a lot of players and they were outstanding. Now the club has had to refresh the team again to be consistent and battle for silverware,” said Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola
Haaland struck the opener in the 34th minute via a tap-in at the back post after being squared up by right-back Rico Lewis. Three minutes later, winger Oscar Bobb released Reijnders to arrow in a precise finish from his left foot.
Haaland doubled his tally in the second-half (61st min) via a cut-back from Bobb before substitute Cherki (81st min) lashed one into the bottom corner from outside the box to complete the demolition.
Manchester City’s summer splurge
Tijjani Reijnders ($64.4 million/Rs 440 crore): An attacking midfielder by trade, the Dutchman is expected to provide the creative impetus in this new-look City side.
Rayan Ait-Nouri ($43 million/Rs 294 crore): An all-action left-back with good EPL experience, he’ll be a crucial component of Pep’s tactical philosophy which requires his full-backs to often invert and act as auxiliary midfielders.
Rayan Cherki ($42.7 million/Rs 292 crore): A flexible player, capable of playing as a forward or midfielder. Known for his dribbling ability and could be a key figure in this City team.
James Trafford ($36.5 million/Rs 250 crore): A tall goalkeeper with excellent reflexes, he is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet, making him a worthy successor to Ederson and an ideal custodian for Guardiola.
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