Manchester City kicked off their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, signaling their intent to reclaim the title after a trophyless 2024-25 season. The star of the show was summer signing Tijjani Reijnders, whose electrifying debut performance earned high praise from manager Pep Guardiola, who called him a “lovely guy” and a “top signing.” The 26-year-old Dutch midfielder, acquired from AC Milan for £46.3 million, showcased his dynamic box-to-box prowess, contributing a goal and an assist in a display that drew comparisons to club legends like Ilkay Gundogan.
The match began with an emotional undercurrent, as Wolves fans paid tribute to their late former striker Diogo Jota, with City players Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva joining in the heartfelt ovation. On the pitch, City faced early pressure, with Wolves’ Marshall Munetsi seeing a thumping header disallowed for offside. However, City soon found their rhythm, and Reijnders was at the heart of their dominance. In the 34th minute, his sublime footwork and chipped pass carved open the Wolves defense, allowing Rico Lewis to deliver a low cross that Erling Haaland converted with his trademark precision. “I’m always trying to find space in the box and work to give assists,” Reijnders said post-match, reflecting on his role in the opener. Just three minutes later, the Dutchman struck himself, latching onto a pass from Oscar Bobb and arrowing a first-time shot into the bottom corner from just inside the penalty area.
City’s third goal in the 61st minute was a testament to Reijnders’ versatility. He expertly controlled a high ball, exchanged passes with Bobb down the right, and pulled back a pinpoint cross for Haaland to rifle home his second. “His pace, he can help with the holding midfield. He can make runs inside the pockets and spaces,” Guardiola noted, highlighting Reijnders’ ability to influence both ends of the pitch. The Dutchman’s 82 touches and 91% pass completion rate, including 22 passes in the final third, underlined his composure and creativity. Substitute Rayan Cherki, another summer signing, capped the rout with a low 20-yard strike just six minutes after coming on, but it was Reijnders who earned the Player of the Match honors.
Reijnders’ journey to this moment has been one of steady ascent. Starting at PEC Zwolle and honing his craft at AZ Alkmaar, he made a significant impact at AC Milan, where he was named Serie A’s Best Midfielder for 2024-25 after scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances. His 275 progressive ball carries and 47 defensive line-breaking passes last season showcased his ability to break lines and drive play forward, qualities that made him a priority for Guardiola to fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne’s departure. “I’m learning a lot, of course. I’ve got a new view on how to play football and I have to quickly adapt,” Reijnders said of working under Guardiola, whose tactical demands have already sharpened his game.
The match also marked a triumphant return for goalkeeper James Trafford, a City academy product who stepped in for Ederson, sidelined by illness amid transfer rumors. “It’s a lovely story,” Guardiola said of Trafford’s performance, which included key saves to preserve a clean sheet. “He did an incredible job at Burnley, and I’m pretty sure he will sleep good tonight.” City’s new-look squad, bolstered by Reijnders, Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, showed early signs of cohesion, with the latter impressing against his former club. Despite Wolves’ organization under manager Vitor Pereira, the absence of Matheus Cunha left them toothless against City’s relentless attack.
Reijnders’ debut was a statement of intent, not just for him but for a City side looking to “refresh” after a challenging season marred by injuries, notably to Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. “I saw the intensity, and it is pretty hard, but it is nice to play in the Premier League, and to score on my debut is always nice,” Reijnders reflected, his smile evident as he spoke of his love for the game. His performance drew praise from pundits, with one likening his movement and finishing to Frank Lampard, noting his “X-factor” and potential to become a “special footballer.” As City head into a season with high expectations, Reijnders’ seamless integration suggests he could be the dynamic force to propel them back to the top.
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