Manchester City have moved to the top of the Premier League standings with a 3-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday, September 17.
Jack Grealish’s conversion of Kevin De Bruyne’s pass gave City a lead after just 55 seconds, and they went on to win easily.
The following goal was unavoidably scored by Erling Haaland, who calmly struck the bottom corner from outside the area after advancing on goal unopposed.
When Nathan Collins was expelled for a flying high challenge on Grealish, the Blues’ day became much simpler.
After a superb team play, Phil Foden finished off the scoring in the second half with a lovely flick.
How Manchester City defeated Wolves
If Diego Costa was able to play for the home team, Wolves, there would have been some hope of a competitive encounter after City narrowly defeated Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.
Before the visit of the reigning Premier League champions, Wolves were unbeaten at Molineux this season.
After 55 seconds, however, Grealish altered the atmosphere as he converted De Bruyne’s cross from close range.
Given his recent disappointing performance, the former captain of Aston Villa came under fire, but his first goal of the season was a resounding response.
The only thing that caught people off guard about Haaland’s goal was the fact that it broke the recent pattern of his strikes.
This was his first attempt from outside the box for City. He used his right foot to hit the ball in such a way that Jose Sa was unable to handle the shot despite what appeared to be a small mishit.
Ahead of the game, Goncalo Guedes replaced the injured Sasa Kalajdzic in Bruno Lage’s Wolves lineup that defeated Southampton.
High-profile newcomer Diego Costa did not have a spot on the team as he nears full fitness.
Although Wolves displayed some grit in the second half, their defensive weakness persisted, and it was once more used against them for the third goal.
This time, Haaland contributed to the setup by supplying De Bruyne, whose low right-wing cross was converted by Foden.
Going into the international break, City has 17 points from 7 games and maybe settled back into what Guardiola refers to as “the proper gear.”
“I did enjoy it,” said Grealish after the match, speaking to BT Sport.
“It was a long time coming, I have not scored since the West Ham game last season so it is nice to get off the mark this season and do it so early. It is a difficult place to come against a top, top team. They are so underrated this Wolves team.
“I should be scoring more and getting more assists. The only thing I can do is that and I am going to have people talking about me for the money I was bought for but if you look at my career, at Aston Villa I only got a few goals and assists in the Premier League.”
Guardiola also praised Grealish’s performance against Wolves, saying: “He played really good and strong, a good goal arriving there,” said the Manchester City head coach.
“He doesn’t lose the ball and a good performance for me. Hopefully he can continue in the national team and come back fit.”
