Man City player ratings vs Wolves: Erling Haaland shines as 10/10 puts on masterclass | Football | Sport

Published: 2025-08-16 20:20:06 | Views: 7


Manchester City waltzed their way to an opening day victory away to Wolves, with Erling Haaland, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki goals proving the difference. It marks the beginning of a big campaign for City, having struggled at times last season.

After a shaky start, Pep Guardiola's side grew into the match and eventually took the lead midway through the first half. The opener arrived whenย Haaland was found at the back post by Rico Lewis, with City adding a second via new signing Tijjani Reijnders.

Things got even better for the Blues in the second half, with Haaland netting his second of the game after a lung-busting run from Reijnders, who was a breath of fresh air in the City midfield. Rayan Cherki put the icing on the cake with a stylish finish late on in the game.

James Trafford - 7

Probably wouldn't have been expecting to start the match, given Ederson's position as No.1 goalkeeper. But the recent arrival didn't look out of place between the sticks, with James Trafford looking comfortable whenever called upon.

Rico Lewis - 7

Provided a delightful cross for the opening goal and remained a threat in the final third throughout the match. It could prove Lewis' final match in City blue, given Nottingham Forest are believed to be sniffing around the youngster.

Ruben Dias - 8

A successful season for City will require Ruben Dias to shine, and he looked impressive at the back for City. The Portuguese ace was criticised at times for his performances last term, but he'll no doubt be happy to put the 2024/25 campaign behind him, with full focus on the season ahead.

John Stones - 8

Another surprise name in the starting XI, as John Stones' last start for City came back in February. His previous season was marred with injury, but with the World Cup to come next summer, both Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel will be keeping their fingers crossed.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 7

An immediate return to Wolves for Rayan Ait-Nouri, with the Algerian showing why City paid big money to bring him to the club. It's been a while since City had an out-and-out left back but it looks like they've bagged a good one.

Nico Gonzalez - 8

Had a tough task filling in for the injured Rodri but Nico Gonzalez rose to the challenge. He isn't quite Rodri level (who is?), but having a capable deputy to the Ballon d'Or winner could prove game-changing for City this season.

Tijjani Reijnders - 10

Marked his Premier League debut with a masterclass. Reijnders showed City exactly what they were missing in midfield last season, with the Dutch international slotting straight in following his move from AC Milan. Only two players have ever scored and assisted on their City debut. The other? Sergio Aguero.

Bernardo Silva - 7

By far the oldest of City's midfield three, but Bernardo Silva didn't look out of place. He was his usual Energiser Bunny self in the middle of the park and delivered a couple of testing crosses from set pieces.

Oscar Bobb - 8

After the frustration of missing most of last season, Guardiola put a show of faith in Oscar Bobb by throwing him from the off for City's opening match against Wolves. It paid off, with Bobb dazzling on the right-hand side of attack, even picking up an assist for Reijnders' goal.

Erling Haaland - 9

Did exactly what he's in the team for: scoring goals. In truth, his two goals were probably Erling Haaland's only meaningful contributions in the match, but with so much creativity behind him, it's likely the two goals will be the first of many this season.

Jeremy Doku - 6

Certainly the quietest of City's attackers, with Jeremy Doku kept under wraps by the Wolves backline. He'll be hoping for better days, especially with the competition for minutes in the City forward line this season.

Substitutes:

Nico O'Reilly - 6

Put himself about after coming off the bench, with Nico O'Reilly even picking up a yellow card for his troubles.

Omar Marmoush - 6

Operated on the left-hand side, but Omar Marmoush's only effort was a blocked free-kick.

Matheus Nunes - 6

Received a toxic reception upon his return to old stomping ground Molineux, but it didn't appear to phase Matheus Nunes.

Rayan Cherki - 8

The most impactful of the City substitutes, with Rayan Cherki steering home a gorgeous left-footed effort after a tidy piece of footwork on the edge of the box.

Abdukodir Khusanov - N/A



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