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By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER and JACK GAUGHAN, NORTH WEST SPORTS REPORTER Updated: 05: 30 AEST, 17 August 2025 121 View comments Relive Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Manchester City travel to Molineux to face Wolves in the Premier League, with Jack Gaughan reporting from the ground.   Manchester City mean business. Filled with new faces, Pep Guardiola's Citizens' squad have brushed off the disappointment from last season and started this one on fire. Four goals, three points, a clean sheet, and they go top of the table. Erling Haaland started the show, but it didn't take Tijjani Reijnders long to steal it from him with his first goal in a City shirt. The pair then combined for the third, and Rayan Cherki came off the bench to round off the win with a stunning strike. Right, I am now going to shoot off. Thank you for joining me on what was an emotional day at Molineux, as Wolves paid tribute to their former striker Diogo Jota. I will see you all tomorrow. Vitor Pereira, Wolves boss, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: Manchester City and opening day just go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly. The Citizens' winning was never in doubt, let's be honest. City have now won 14 of their last 15 games on MD1 in the Premier League (L1), scoring 41 goals in total, with today their second-largest opening day win in the competition after their 5-0 victory against West Ham United in August 2019. A great day at the office. Pep Guardiola, Man City boss, speaking to BBC Sport: On Tijjani Reijnders' performance: On Rayan Cherki's cameo: On James Trafford's return: We have spoken a lot about Tijjani Reijnders, but he was not the only new signing to have a cracking debut. James Trafford earned himself a cheeky clean sheet, while Rayan Cherki bagged just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute. In fact, Reijnders and Cherki became the 13th and 14th different players to score on their Premier League debut while playing for Manchester City; only Chelsea (22) and Manchester United (20) have given more Premier League debuts to players in which they've scored. And let's not forget Rayan Ait-Nouri, who played excellently against his former side. He has slotted perfectly into the City system. Scary times ahead for City's league rivals. Erling Haaland is going to have another belter of a season, isn't he? He bagged two today, but could easily have netted three or four on another day. He had so many chances. Haaland has scored two or more goals in 21 different Premier League games, at least nine more times than any other player since his debut in August 2022. He has also now scored 10 Premier League goals against Wolves, the most he’s netted against an opponent in the competition. If he stays fit, City are in business. Tijjani Reijnders, Man City's Man of the Match, on Sky Sports: Want to see the Tijjani Reijnders assist? Honestly, the touch on the turn does things to me; it's just disgustingly good football. Then the give-and-go, the pass, and the finish from Erling Haaland. Lovely, lovely stuff. Watch and enjoy. Jamie Redknapp, former Liverpool midfielder, speaking about Tijjani Reijnders on Sky Sports: We simply have to talk about this lad. Tijjani Reijnders has just put in one of the best Premier League debuts I think I have ever seen. I'm not being dramatic, that was one hell of a performance. It wasn't even that he got a goal and an assist; it was so much more than that. He was key in the build-up to the opener, his strike for teh second was stunning, and well, the turn to start the move that led to his assist for Erling Haaland was filthy. The way the Dutchman glides across the pitch and beats players with ease is just so good to watch. This lad is going to be a star. In fact, he already is a star. Chris Powell, former England full-back, on BBC Radio 5 Live: It's been over five minutes since full-time, but the fans are yet to leave and are still singing Diogo Jota's name. A 'Diogo J. 18' Wolves jersey is then laid on the ground as many players and staff join in to clap along to the chant. Ruben Dias is one of the City players to join in, and he looks emotional as he gazes into the crowd. Another fitting tribute to the late Portuguese striker. Liverpool, Arsenal, are you watching? Not many pundits and journalists have backed Manchester City to win the Premier League this season, with many expecting the Reds to go back-to-back. But based on that evidence, they are going to be well in the title fight. After riding out some early Wolves pressure, they picked them apart in the way they always used to. That was vintage City, and it's a statement win. What a start to the season for Manchester City. It seems as though Pep Guardiola's side has put their disappointing 2024-25 campaign behind them and look back to their best. For Wolves, it's a tough way to start the new season, but even the result hasn't stopped them singing for Diogo Jota. Even as the whistle goes, they keep singing his name. Diogo Jota's name is ringing around Molineux, and it has been for the whole of stoppage time. Those left in the ground are all singing, and despite what has been a bad day on the pitch for Wolves, they still want to commemorate their former star. It's touching. They may be four goals down, but Wolves aren't going to stop piling bodies forward. Silly? Maybe. Admirable? Definitely. Fer Lopez has a crack after the ball drops to him, but his effort is easy for James Trafford to collect. Meanwhile, Nico Gonzalez is down with an arm injury of some sort, and he looks in some pain. Well, that was an anti-climax. Omar Marmoush tries to bend the free-kick around the golden wall, but he just ends up hitting it. Tijjani Reijnders then attempts something special on the rebound, but well, it's not quite executed as well as his goal was earlier. Not that it matters now though. Now that just feels harsh. This game is done, the Wolves players just want teh whistle to be blown, but they have seven more minutes to navigate. Meanwhile, City have a free-kick in a very promising position. .. Molineux is emptying quicker than Canary Wharf at 5. 30pm on a weekday. This place is practically empty after that fourth goal. Meanwhile, the Manchester City fans have been singing about Bernardo Silva for the past five minutes. Oh yeah, I forgot to say, Nico O'Reilly got booked in the aftermath of that goal. I mean, he really did clean out Rodrigo Gomes a couple of minutes before it, so I'm not surprised. I doubt he cares, mind. Wolves respond to that goal by bring on Hwang Hee-Chan in place of Jorgen Strand Larsen. And then Abdukodir Khusanov comes on for Manchester City, with John Stones making way. Wow, just wow. Rayan Cherki introduces himself to the Premier League, and in some style. The Frenchman has only been on the pitch for eight minutes, but he is already showing what he is all about. He picks up the ball outside the box, does a cheeky stepover, and then drills it into the bottom corner. Man City are cruising to three points. Ooooft, that's a hefty challenge. Nico O'Reilly absolutely clatters into Rodrigo Gomes, and it draws a huge moan from the crowd. But the ref says play on as Wolves are on the attack, but they can't take advantage. I suspect the young defender may be booked during the next break in play. Oh, what is that? Emmanuel Agbadou, there is a reason that you play in defence, and have not been plonked up top. The ball comes his way 30 yards out, and for some reason, he decides to have a dig. And well, it doesn't go in. .. not even close. Oh, that's a chance out of absolutely nothing. Manchester City have a rare blip in concentration at the back, and Jorgen Strand Larsen looks to pounce. He bends a decent strike toward goal, but James Trafford loves a clean sheet and simply does not want to let this one go. He makes a fine stop to deny the striker. Ah, finally! Rodrigo Gomes, Fer Lopez, Jhon Arias, and Hugo Bueno all enter the action after a long wait. David Wolfe, Andre, Ki-Jana Hoever, and Jean-Ricner Bellgarde all make way. And there will be no hat-trick for Erling Haaland, as Rayan Cherki replaces the striker to make his Premier League debut. Vitor Pereira has readied four of his players from the bench, but they are having to wait an age to come on. Man City just won't give the ball away. This game is dead and buried, and City are almost taking the michael now. Omar Marnmoush's first contribution is to win a foul and get Matt Doherty booked. The Egyptian knocks the ball past the defender, before he gets cleaned out. An obvious booking. Get in there! Oh, sorry, I have just seen that Omar Marmoush is coming on, which helps my FPL. He replaces Jeremy Doku. Matheus Nunes also enters the fray and is welcomed to a chorus of boos from the Wolves crowd, who used to cheer his name. Rico Lewis makes way, while Nico O'Reilly is on for Bernardo Silva. Tijjani Reijnders may be one of the signings of the summer, based on this performance. This guy is top class. If he can continue these levels all season, Manchester City may well be cooking again at the top of the table. Certified baller. What. A. Goal. Erling Haaland finishes off the move, but this goal is all about Tijjani Reijnders; what a stormer he is having. The Dutchman takes James Trafford's goal kick on the spin, plays a lovely give-and-go with Oscar Bobb, then slides the ball across to Haaland to drill into the bottom corner. That is a joke of a move. There he is! Jorgen Strand Larsen may not be close to scoring tap-ins, but he loves to fashion the harder chances. He does well to get on the end of a dropping ball and almost manages to dip one over James Trafford. But the 22-year-old just does enough to tip it over the bar. Where is Jorgen Strand Larsen? I know the geezer has had problems with his leg, but you have to be in the right areas to score goals. Marshall Munetsi slides the ball across the six-yard box and it's begging to be tucked away. But Strand Larsen is nowhere to be seen. Tijjani Reijnders really has been in the thick of teh action. He has his first Premier League goal, and now he has his first yellow card to go with it. The midfielder goes in late on Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and is rightly booked for it. Ooooft, now that would have made some headlines. Rayan Ait-Nouri sees his name in lights as the ball drops from teh sky and into his path on the edge of the box. Ge cocks his leg and hammers a volley toward goal, but it flies just over the bar. That would have been one hell of a goal to score against his former employers. The magic sponge has only gone and done it again - it always works. Jorgen Strand Larsen is walking rather gingerly, but he is back on the pitch for Wolves. They will be hoping that it's just a knock and that he's OK to continue properly. Now this is a worry for Wolves. Jorgen Strand Larsen collides with his former team-mate Rayan Ait-Nouri, and now he is down holding his knee. You know what time it is now. .. yep, magic sponge time. Ohhh, that's a chance. .. a real chance. Wolves come flying out of the blocks, and Jorgen Strand Larsen very nearly pulls a goal back for them. The ball is drilled across the box and Strand Larsen takes it first time, but the ball flies just the wrong side of the post. For a split second, I thought that was in. And we're back, and we're back, and we're. .. back. The two teams have had their team talks and are back out on the pitch, ready for the second half. Neither side has made any changes, which is to be expected, to be honest. Off we go. This is an emotional watch. I told you all about the touching tribute to the late great Diogo Jota, and now I can show you how it played out. Just look at that tifo, it's beautiful. Erling Haaland is inevitable. On another day, he could have a hat-trick at half-time, but I think the one will do for him. Haaland has now scored in each of his four MD1 appearances in the Premier League; only Mohamed Salah (6 successive seasons between 2017-18 and 2022-23) has enjoyed a longer run in the competition’s history. The man just always finds a way to score. Remember the name: Tijjani Reijnders. I knew this guy was a baller when he was at AC Milan, but for those who didn't know what he was about when he signed for Man City, they certainly know now. He was integral in the first goal, but I want to show you his beautiful first-time finish to put City two clear. So classy. So far, so good for Man City. Pep Guardiola's side took a while to get going, but boy, once they did, they ripped Wolves apart. Tijjani Reijnders has been the star of the show, and his goal has put City two goals to the good, following Erling Haaland's opener. It's hard to see a way back for Wolves now. Oh, so nearly three! Erling Haaland is winning every header that comes his way today, and he rises highest to meet Bernardo Silva's corner. But he doesn't go for goal (well, I don't think), and instead flicks the ball on to Jeremy Doku, who has the freedom of Molineux. But Doku isn't expecting the ball and messes up his touch, allowing Jose Sa to collect the ball. He should do better there. Oh, James Trafford has learned the new rules well. I am waiting to see how well the eight-second rule is enforced, but he only takes five seconds to get rid of the ball after catching a corner. Good to see. This is going to be torturous for Wolves. Every single player in gold will be desperate for the whistle to be blown, but they have five minutes to wait. Wolves need to be careful they don't concede another before the break. Manchester City are all over them now, like nits in a child's hair. OK, not my best metaphor, but I was cautious that I wasn't making too many of them today. I will be better. I didn't think Molineux could get much quieter after the first goal, but somehow it has. And now Marshall Munetsi is down with a head injury, so there is a break in play. How the mood can change in a flash, eh? Two in three minutes! Tijjani Reijnders played a major role in the opener and now he has a goal of his own. Wolves are the architects of their own downfall as they lose the ball in midfield and allow Oscar Bobb to drive a break. Bobb then slides the ball over to Reijnders, who expertly finishes first time into the bottom corner. Welcome to the Premier League, Tijjani. And just like that, the atmosphere inside this stadium has completely changed. I was in the process of writing about how loud the Wolves fans were when Erling Haaland scored, then, now they are so quiet. It just had to be him, didn't it? Just when it looked as though Wolves were getting on top, Erling Haaland hits them with a suckerpunch. Third time lucky for the big Norwegian. This goal is all about Tijjani Reijnders, who dances through the Wolves midfield before chipping the ball through to Rico Lewis. The full-back then squares the ball for Haaland, and he taps in from two yards out. Molineux silenced. Marshall Muntesi really is like Darwin Nunez. He is offside, yet AGAIN. The ball comes his way in the area and he forces James Trafford into action, but he was a good couple of yards offside. Trafford wasn't to know that, mind. Molineux is alive and kicking now. These last few minutes have got these fans believing that there is something in this game for Wolves. Marshall Munetsi is causing City all sorts of problems, but the problem is that he doesn't know the offside rule. He is channelling his inner Darwin Nunez. Ohhhhhh. .. Molineuz erupts as Marshall Munetsi hammers one hell of a header into the bottom corner. But then his hands go to his head and the cheers are cut short as he notices teh flag is up. It's not even close; he is miles offside. Oooh, that was a half-chance. Wolves really are growing into this game now, and the ball is pinged into teh feet of Joao Gomes. He should just take the shot first time, but instead tries to control the ball, and it cannons off his foot into the gloves of James Trafford. Wolves finally get a hold of the ball. The hosts have barely had a kick since the first few minutes, but they are starting to enjoy a period of pressure. Probably won't last very long, mind. AND AGAIN! ! What is happening? Erling Haaland is having a stinker in front of goal today, as he somehow misses a straightforward header from five yards out. Bernardo Silva finds him yet again, and this time he seems certain to score with his noggin. But he jumps miles too early and heads over. Erm. .. is that really Erling Haaland, or has he got a twin brother playing instead of him? Bernardo Silva whips in a teasing cross that is heading straight for Haaland, so you just think the net is going to bulge. But Haaland gets it all wrong and ends up shouldering the ball miles wide of the post. Not like him. What do I know? A few minutes with the magic sponge and Andre is right as rain; I'm not sure why I doubted him. That's a relief for Vitor Pereira. Oh, this doesn't look good. .. Abndre is down and looks in a spot of bother here. The medical staff have raced on and he has three people with the magic sponge out. I must say, he looks a little dazed, so I'd be surprised if the Brazilian stays on here. Does that count as a shot? Nico Gonzalez goes up to win a header outside of the box, but he ends up getting os much power behind it that Jose Sa has to make a save. I don't think he meant for that to be an effort, but it very nearly caught the Wolves goalkeeper out. What a weird goal that would have been. If you are a Wolves fan who has hair right now, you may not have any by the end of the season. Why do I say that? Well, the fact that Wolves seem to always muck about with the ball at the back will make you want to tear it out. So stressful watching the defenders with the ball. If only Jeremy Doku knew how to use his head. The ball is whipped to teh back stick and Doku just needs to nod it back across the box for Erling Haaland. But for some reason, he tries to get his foot to head height to cross it, but obviously, he's not Haaland, so he can't get his foot to it. Strange move. Ohhhh, hello. Manchester City have had most of the ball, but the moment they get pressurised for the first time, they give it away. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde pounces on a misplaced pass and drives down teh left, as the home crowd rise to their feet. His cross causes some worry, but City do get it clear in the end. I'm going to have an early moan, and it's not about the game. I have Omar Marmoush in my fantasy draft team, and because of 'Pep roulette, ' I am missing out on some points. I'm sure there are many of you in this blog who have also been affected by Guardiola's gambles. Should only ever use Erling Haaland from City in FPL. And off we go at Molineux. For what feels like the first time in years, Manchester City are actually wearing their home kit away at Wolves. As it should be; I'm happy about that. I hate pointless away kit usage. Sting's song Fields of Gold is playing at Molineux, and it's poignant because it was one of Diogo Jota's favourite songs. The crowd falls silent as the tifo of Jota goes up behind the goal, before the players walk to teh centre circle. The tifo states, 'We will remember you when you walk in the fields of gold. ' Just beautiful. Like yesterday, this is very emotional. Many fans can't hold back the tears as the minute's applause starts and the crowd chants 'Diogo'. Another incredibly touching tribute. Can I hear boos? As soon as the Premier League anthem comes on and the players greet one another, I swear there are a smattering of boos. From where, I'm yet to figure that out. But that soon changes as chants break out from both the home and away ends. Now it's time for Diogo Jota's tribute. This has crept up on us quickly, hasn't it? The teams have now finished their warm-ups and are back in the dressing rooms receiving final instructions. I would love to be a fly on the wall to hear what Pep Guardiola is telling his players right now. I bet he is very animated. Anyway, the players will all be out on teh turf in just a few minutes. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City boss, speaking to Sky Sports on Ederson's absence: One of my favourite things to do before a Manchester City match is just watch Pep Guardiola. He always looks so stressed out, no matter who City are set to pay. Just look at him here, scratching his head. If he had hair, he would tear it out before every match. Maybe that's why he doesn't have any? Have I gone too far? I think I might have. .. If any of you watched the match at Anfield last night, you will know how emotional it was. The pre-match tribute to Diogo Jota was both poignant and beautiful, as were the scenes between Mohamed Salah and the Kop at full-time. Today will be similar. Plenty of Wolves fans are visiting Jota's mural outside the ground, with many pulling back on their Jota shirts from years gone by. There is set to be a tifo in the late forward's honour ahead of kick-off in what is set to be another touching tribute. The odds are certainly stacked against Wolves to say. Not only because they have been decimated over the summer, but because even when they had the big boys playing for them, it still didn't help against Manchester City. Wolves have lost nine of their last 10 Premier League meetings with Manchester City (W1), although their one victory in this period did come at Molineux early in the season, winning 2-1 in September 2023 under Gary O’Neil. Across the last five Premier League campaigns, Manchester City have won the joint-most games (4) and scored the most goals (14) of any side when facing Wolves at Molineux (W4 D0 L1 F14 A5). Can they change the narrative today, though? This must feel weird for Rayan Ait-Nouri. Molineux was the full-back's home for four years before he left at the start of the summer. He was adored in these parts. And now, in his first Premier League game for Manchester City, he has to play against them. It seems like he is liking seeing some familiar faces, though, as he has already had a catch-up with many of the Wolves staff. Just look at that smile! Alan Shearer, former Newcastle striker, speaking to Betfair: The injury can't be too bad, then? Rodri may not be in the squad today, but teh Spaniard has travelled with the team to Molineux. Now that's the sign of a team player, don't you think? I mean, without him in the side, they may need that moral support. That's not to say City don't have a good enough midfield to win this game today, but the loss of Rodri doesn't exactly help. After missing him for so much of last season, they didn't need this. Chris Sutton, former Blackburn striker, on BBC Sport: Guess who's back, back again. Ki Jana-Hoever has been sent on several loans in recent years, but today he makes his return to the Wolves starting XI. Summer signing David Wolfe also makes his competitive debut for teh club, while Jorgen Strand Larsen starts up top. Not the strongest side, I'll be real. How many of you got it right? I mean, I'd be surprised if there were more than 10 per cent of people in this blog that got it wrong. It was an open goal, you couldn't miss. James Trafford makes his return in a Manchester City shirt, replacing Ederson in between the sticks to make his Premier League debut for the club. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders also make their top-flight debuts for the club. Rayan Cherki is on the bench. Well then. .. I can tell you that Ederson is not with teh Manchester City squad in Wolverhampton today, and it's not down to injury. The goalkeeper is reportedly closing in on a move to Turkish side Galatasaray, and wants the transfer to happen. It seems like he has been dropped due to the pending transfer. I reckon you can guess who is starting instead of him, can't you? By Harry Bamforth Before we get tucked into the blockbuster bout that will finish our day, we have to remember that the 3pm kick-offs are still going on. And it finally seems as though the goals are starting to fly in, at last. Here's the latest: By Harry Bamforth Are we ready for some more footie? Today may not have been the most entertaining of days in the Premier League, which is a shame given it's the opening weekend, but it's not over yet. Now it's over to Molineux to save the day for us. Manchester City start their bid to get the crown back against Vitor Pereira's Wolves on what is set to be an emotional day in the Midlands. Wolves will pay tribute to the late Diogo Jota prior to kick-off, the man who delivered so many incredible moments in the gold shirt. Right, let's get this blog started. Reijnders is a monster and also world class.

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