Manchester City’s electrifying 4-0 demolition of Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16, 2025, at Molineux Stadium sent a resounding message to the Premier League: the champions are back in form. Led by new signing Tijjani Reijnders, who marked his debut with a goal and two assists, and Erling Haaland’s clinical brace, City showcased their attacking prowess. Yet, beneath the surface of this commanding victory, manager Pep Guardiola sounded a note of caution, declaring his squad “not healthy” due to a mounting injury crisis that threatens to derail their title aspirations. As fans chanted “We’re top of the league” for the first time since October last season, Guardiola’s sobering assessment highlighted the challenges facing a team determined to reclaim glory.
The match itself was a masterclass in City’s trademark fluidity. Reijnders, the £46.3 million signing from AC Milan, orchestrated the midfield with poise, setting up Haaland’s opener and scoring a sublime second goal. “Tijjani Reijnders marks his Premier League debut WITH A GOAL!” roared the Sky Sports commentary, capturing the excitement of his arrival. Substitute Rayan Cherki and Josko Gvardiol added late strikes, with Reijnders assisting Haaland’s second, sealing a performance that propelled City to the top of the early Premier League standings. “The performance was really good, the players who played were brilliant,” Guardiola said, praising his team’s intensity. “We were aggressive, we played really good football and I’m so pleased with that.”
However, Guardiola’s post-match reflections were tempered by concerns over his squad’s fitness. Key players Rodri, sidelined until September with a knee injury, and Mateo Kovacic, out until October with a hamstring issue, left City’s midfield stretched thin. The absence of Oscar Bobb, who suffered a fractured leg in pre-season, and doubts over Phil Foden’s availability due to illness further strained the roster. “The squad is not healthy, it’s the reality,” Guardiola admitted, his frustration evident. “We don’t have the squad healthy and that’s why we need to be careful.” With only 17 outfield players available, including youngsters like Rico Lewis, City’s depth is under scrutiny as they juggle a packed schedule, including the upcoming Club World Cup and a Premier League title defense.
Guardiola’s candid remarks reflect the toll of last season’s trophyless campaign, City’s worst under his tenure. Injuries to Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne, who departed for Napoli, saw possession drop to 61%—the lowest in Guardiola’s era—and line-breaking passes plummet from 973 to 722. “We cannot sustain another season like the last one,” he warned, emphasizing the need for squad reinforcements. Reijnders’ arrival, alongside new faces like Rayan Aït-Nouri and Cherki, aims to address these gaps, but Guardiola remains cautious. “We need players, we need players fit,” he reiterated, underscoring the urgency as City face Tottenham next in the Carabao Cup.
Despite the injury woes, City’s performance against Wolves offered hope. Haaland, shrugging off earlier criticism of his movement, was lethal, converting Reijnders’ passes with precision. “Erling is a goal machine, but he needs service, and Tijjani gave him that today,” noted a pundit, highlighting the Dutchman’s impact. Gvardiol’s versatility at left-back and Cherki’s flair off the bench added dynamism, while Rico Lewis, filling in for Kyle Walker, earned praise for his composure. “Rico is a gem, he can play anywhere,” Guardiola said, hinting at the youngster’s growing role.
Off the pitch, City’s transfer strategy remains bold. Reijnders, hailed as “the perfect successor” to De Bruyne by fans, brings creativity with his 84.4% pass completion in the final third and 275 progressive carries from his Milan days. “I’m here to play my own game,” Reijnders said, distancing himself from De Bruyne comparisons. His pre-season form, including a brace against Palermo, and his Wolves masterclass suggest he’s ready to lead City’s midfield revival. Meanwhile, social media buzzed with optimism, with one fan declaring, “Reijnders is the signing we needed—City are back!”
As City navigate their injury crisis, Guardiola’s challenge is to maintain this momentum. With the Club World Cup looming and a Premier League title to chase, his “not healthy” warning serves as a rallying cry for his squad to stay resilient. The Wolves thrashing, powered by Reijnders’ brilliance and Haaland’s firepower, proves City remain a force. Yet, as Guardiola knows, only a fully fit squad can sustain their pursuit of silverware in a season that promises both opportunity and peril.
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