Manchester City vs Wolves match report as Pep Guardiola’s side returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a controlled 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium.
After a difficult spell that saw City stumble domestically and in Europe, this performance offered clarity, confidence and control. Guardiola made the big call to bench Erling Haaland, and his team responded with one of their most fluid displays in recent weeks.
First-half goals from Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo ensured City collected all three points, cutting the gap to leaders Arsenal and restoring belief ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
Manchester City vs Wolves match report: Fast start sets the tone
City wasted little time asserting themselves. Wolves, who arrived on a five-game unbeaten run, were immediately pushed deep by City’s tempo and pressing. The breakthrough came inside six minutes when Omar Marmoush reacted quickest inside the box to guide the ball home.
The goal lifted the Etihad crowd and gave Guardiola’s side the platform they needed. With Rodri controlling midfield and Bernardo Silva drifting intelligently between the lines, Wolves struggled to disrupt City’s rhythm.
Matheus Nunes, facing his former club, played with edge and intent. His delivery from wide areas consistently caused problems, while Marc Guehi looked composed on his Premier League debut at the back.
Antoine Semenyo adds cutting edge
City doubled their advantage just before half-time. A slick passing move carved Wolves open, allowing Antoine Semenyo to finish calmly and reward Guardiola’s tactical gamble.
The Ghana international’s energy and directness stood out. He pressed aggressively, tracked back diligently and provided the penetration City have sometimes lacked this season.
By the interval, Wolves were fortunate not to be further behind. Marmoush struck the post, while Semenyo saw another effort crash against the frame of the goal.
Second-half control without risk
Guardiola introduced Haaland, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku after the break, but the emphasis remained on game management rather than spectacle. City slowed the tempo, recycled possession and denied Wolves any clear route back into the contest.
Wolves showed spirit through moments from João Gomes and Arias, yet Gianluigi Donnarumma remained largely untroubled. City’s defensive structure, led by Rodri and Guehi, ensured the visitors never built sustained momentum.
The clean sheet will please Guardiola just as much as the goals. In recent weeks, defensive lapses have cost City dearly, but this was a disciplined and mature display.
What the result means
The victory moves Manchester City back within touching distance of the Premier League summit and eases pressure following their Champions League disappointment. Guardiola will take confidence from the squad’s response, especially with Haaland proving City can still function fluently without him.
For Wolves, defeat halts their momentum but does not undo the progress they have shown in recent weeks. Rob Edward’s will take encouragement from periods of organisation, even if the gulf in quality was evident.
As reported by Sky Sports, City’s composure, movement and efficiency were the defining factors on an afternoon that may prove pivotal in their title pursuit.
Attention now turns to Europe for Guardiola’s side, while Wolves must regroup quickly as the Premier League schedule shows little mercy at this stage of the season.
