Man City alive again – after the Norwegian disaster, Cityzens overcame the Wolves

Manchester City’s last league victory had come almost a month ago. When that is combined with the results in their previous two matches — defeats to their city rivals and a Champions League loss to underdogs Bodo/Glimt — the clash with Wolverhampton arrived at the perfect moment. A 2–0 win eased the pressure and shifted the tension onto Arsenal, who host Manchester United tomorrow.

The hosts showed their intent early on and registered the first attempt of the game in the fifth minute, when debutant Marc Guehi rose highest from a corner to head goalwards, but the effort was straight at the Wolves goalkeeper, who dealt with it comfortably.

City needed just a minute more to break the deadlock. In the sixth minute, Matheus Nunes delivered a dangerous ball from the right flank into the penalty area, where Omar Marmoush timed his run perfectly, bursting into the six-yard box before poking the ball into the net from close range.

Wolves responded quickly and almost found an equaliser in the 10th minute. Antoine Semenyo was released down the right and found himself nearly one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Jose Sa stood firm to deny the Ghana international.

City continued to control possession and created another excellent opening in the 19th minute. After dealing with a Wolves free-kick, the hosts broke at speed with Cherki driving forward. He reached the penalty area and attempted to square the ball for Reijnders, but the pass was slightly behind his teammate, denying City what could have been a simple finish.

Two minutes later, space opened up for Mane on the left side. He cut inside onto his stronger foot but fired his shot high and wide, letting Wolves off the hook once more.

The pressure kept mounting, and City came agonisingly close to a second goal in the 35th minute. Marmoush was again at the centre of the action as he went through on goal and struck the post. A VAR check followed after Mosquera appeared to handle the ball during Marmoush’s dribble in the box, but the referee ruled that the defender’s arm was in a natural position.

City eventually doubled their advantage in stoppage time. A slick passing move carved Wolves open, Bernardo Silva provided the final assist, and Antoine Semenyo finished calmly to make it 2–0 — his third goal in four appearances in the blue shirt — sending the home side into half-time firmly in control.

Wolverhampton showed more attacking intent after the restart, looking to reduce the deficit and make a contest of the second half.

Their first notable effort arrived in the 55th minute, when Joao Gomes stepped up to take a free-kick from a promising position. The midfielder struck the ball cleanly, but his effort sailed over Gianluigi Donnarumma’s crossbar, failing to trouble the City goalkeeper.

Manchester City responded six minutes later through Cherki, who found space on the edge of the area and went for goal. However, his shot drifted wide of the post, allowing Wolves to breathe a sigh of relief.

As the half wore on, City continued to threaten on the break and came close to extending their lead in the 78th minute. Antoine Semenyo found himself virtually unmarked on the right side of the box, connected well with his shot, but saw his effort crash against the crossbar, denying the hosts a third goal.

In the 87th minute, Wolverhampton came close to reducing the deficit when Mosquera rose to meet Mane’s cross with a header, but the ball struck the top of the crossbar.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY

Saturday

West Ham - Sunderland 3-1 (3-0)

/Summerville 14, Bowen 28 pen, Fernandes 43 - Brobbey 66/

Burnley - Tottenham 2-2 (1-1)

/Tuanzebe 45, Foster 76 - Van de Ven 38, Romero 90/

Fulham - Brighton 2-1 (0-1)

/Chukwueze 72, Wilson 90+2 - Ayari 28/

Man. City - Wolverhampton 2-0 (2-0)

/Marmoush 6, Semenyo 45+2/

20.30: (3.90) Bournemouth (3.85) Liverpool (1.95)

Sunday

17.00: (1.88) Brentford (3.50) Nott.Forest (4.30)

17.00: (3.60) Crystal Palace (3.80) Chelsea (2.05)

17.00: (2.05) Newcastle (3.75) Aston Villa (3.65)

19.30: (1.60) Arsenal (4.30) Man.Utd. (5.75)

Monday

23.00: (2.55) Everton (3.25) Leeds (3.10)

***odds are subject to change***