City start title defence with 4-0 win as Reijnders and Cherki shine

Manchester City opened their Premier League title defense with a dominant 4-0 victory away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with two debutants making immediate impacts and Erling Haaland continuing his record of opening-day goals. Tijjani Reijnders scored on his league debut and set up another, while Rayan Cherki, newly arrived from Lyon, added a late fourth after coming on as a substitute. Haaland struck twice, and City’s new-look midfield and forward line looked poised to drive another title challenge, even as Wolves paid tribute to former player Diogo Jota before kickoff.

Reijnders, who joined City from Milan in a deal valued at around 75 million euros, announced his arrival with purpose. He produced a precise lob assist to Rico Lewis for Haaland’s opener, then finished a well-worked move himself to double the lead within minutes. In total, the Dutch midfielder was involved in three of City’s four goals, underscoring his ability to influence play in the middle of the park. He later reflected on the challenge of the Premier League, noting the league’s intensity and pace, and expressing eagerness to learn under Pep Guardiola while contributing as a box-to-box presence capable of...