In a blistering start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, Manchester City delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, with new signing Tijjani Reijnders stealing the spotlight on his debut. The 27-year-old Dutch midfielder, acquired from AC Milan for £42.5m, not only scored a stunning goal but also provided an assist, earning comparisons to club legend Sergio Aguero as only the second City player to achieve both feats in a Premier League debut. Yet, Reijnders’ brilliance was amplified by his synergy with £50m summer signing Nico Gonzalez, whose relentless performance in the holding midfield role—winning 11 of 13 duels and covering 12.4km—provided the perfect platform for Reijnders to thrive.
The match began with Wolves showing early promise, as Marshall Munetsi’s header was disallowed for offside and Jørgen Strand Larsen tested City’s debutant goalkeeper James Trafford. However, City’s quality soon shone through. In the 34th minute, Reijnders orchestrated the opener with a deft flick over the Wolves defense, finding Rico Lewis, who squared the ball for Erling Haaland to tap in. “It’s a great start,” Reijnders told reporters post-match, beaming with enthusiasm. “Very happy with an assist and a goal and a very good win. It is a great start and we have to keep going now.” Just three minutes later, Reijnders capitalized on a loose pass from Wolves’ Emmanuel Agbadou. Oscar Bobb pounced, setting up Reijnders, who caressed a first-time shot into the bottom corner past José Sá, igniting celebrations among the traveling City fans.
Reijnders’ chemistry with Gonzalez, a £50m acquisition from Porto, was evident throughout. Gonzalez’s defensive tenacity, winning all three of his tackles and dominating duels, allowed Reijnders the freedom to roam forward. “Reijnders is an alien because he can play [number] six, double pivot, eight and on both sides. Can score, can create, can defend. Has everything you want really,” one City fan raved online, capturing the excitement around the Dutchman’s versatility. Gonzalez’s 12.4km covered underscored his relentless work rate, anchoring the midfield while Reijnders dazzled with 52/57 passes completed, six touches in the opposition box, and 91% pass accuracy.
City’s third goal in the 61st minute further highlighted the Reijnders-Gonzalez partnership. Reijnders, controlling a long ball from Trafford, exchanged a slick one-two with Bobb before cutting back for Haaland to rifle home his second. “Tijjani Reijnders is the star man for me,” former England full-back Chris Powell declared on radio. “You will see a new-look Man City midfield and you still have Phil Foden and Rodri to come back.” Substitute Rayan Cherki sealed the rout in the 81st minute with a pinpoint strike, but it was Reijnders’ masterclass that earned him Man of the Match honors. “I’m always going on the pitch with a smile, I love football and I enjoy every minute,” Reijnders said, reflecting on his joy under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage. “I’m learning a lot, of course. I’ve got a new view on how to play football and [I have to] quickly adapt and do my best every time.”
Guardiola, who described Reijnders as a “lovely guy” and a “top signing,” was effusive about his impact. “Really good. His pace, he can help with the holding midfield,” the City manager said, hinting at Reijnders’ potential to fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne’s departure. The match wasn’t without emotional weight, as both teams paid tribute to former Wolves star Diogo Jota, with fans chanting his name and players honoring his memory post-match. For Wolves, the scoreline was harsh, but their struggles—marked by defensive lapses and missed chances—suggest a challenging season ahead.
Reijnders’ debut, bolstered by Gonzalez’s commanding presence, signals City’s intent to reclaim the Premier League crown after finishing third last season. With Rodri and Foden still to return, the Reijnders-Gonzalez axis could be the heartbeat of a revitalized City side. As one fan put it, “Having Reijnders on your team feels like cheating, he’s just too good at football.” With the Premier League title race already heating up, Reijnders and Gonzalez have set a formidable tone for City’s campaign.
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