Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media / Imago
Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media / Imago

Jeremy Doku dismal, Tijjani Reijnders incredible - Man City ratings v Wolves

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Pep Guardiola's Man City side kicked off their Premier League campaign with a sensational win over Wolves at Molineux Stadium.

Erling Haaland started proceedings, smashing home from close range following a smart pass from Rico Lewis, before Tijjani Reijnders doubled City's lead on Saturday, 16 August.

Haaland grabbed his brace before the manager made a plethora of changes, only for Rayan Cherki to put the icing on the cake during the final 10 minutes to secure all three points in a 4-0 win.

Rico Lewis proves himself to Pep Guardiola

James Trafford - 8

Sensible decisions. Confident calls for claims and crosses. A decent first outing for his boyhood club since returning from Burnley.

Rico Lewis (Off for Nunes 65') - 8

An incredible showing from Lewis, who continues to be linked with Nottingham Forest. Guardiola would be foolish to let the youngster go this summer.

John Stones (Off for Khusanov 83') - 8

Always made himself available, remaining calm at the back before sliding into midfield to offer his teammates another option. Such a smart footballer for City.

Ruben Dias - 7

Slightly outshone by his defensive partner, rarely getting involved and only making blocks when required.

Rico Lewis Man City
(Credit Imago)

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 6

Despite a couple of shots at goal, the former Wolves man was relatively quiet at Molineux.

Tijjani Reijnders steals the show

Nico Gonzalez - 6

In the absence of Rodri, the Spaniard held his ground well, added to the attack nicely, and slotted back into the defensive line when called upon.

Tijjani Reijnders - 9 - Player of the Match

Stole the show at Molineux. Quickly helped fans forget about Kevin De Bruyne, bagging a goal and an assist, adding to his fine performance against Palermo.

Bernardo Silva (Off for O'Reilly 66') - 8

Leading by example as the club captain, Silva created a handful of chances and should have grabbed an assist for his efforts.

Oscar Bobb - 7

The Norwegian winger came back into the lineup with a bang, assisting Reijnders' first goal of the afternoon while continuing to be a nuisance down the right flank.

Jeremy Doku (Off for Marmoush 66') - 3

Barely involved despite all of City's attacking intent and counter-attacks. Main focus came down the right-hand side, which meant the Belgian was ignored.

Erling Haaland starts his Man City account for 2025/26

Erling Haaland (Off for Cherki 73') - 8

He got his Premier League campaign off to a flying start, grabbing two well-taken goals, which were put on a plate for him by his teammates.

Substitutes

Matheus Nunes (On for Lewis 65') - 6

Added some much-needed stability in the bacline, winning all necessary battles.

Omar Marmoush (On for Doku 66') - 5

Made an instant impact, dragging his team up the field, but slowly drifted out of the game.

Erling Haaland Man City
Erling Haaland bagged a brace. (Credit Imago)

Nico O'Reilly (On for Silva 66') - 4

Broke up the play well, picking up a yellow card for his troubles. Though Guardiola would have preferred a clean last few minutes.

Rayan Cherki (On for Haaland 73') - 7

Instant impact. Nothing Jose Sa could do to deny Cherki from scoring his goal in the 4-0 routing.

Abdukodir Khusanov (On for Stones 83') - 7

Made some decent interventions in his very limited time on the field. Used his talent and defensive attributes to see out the game.

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