Manchester City ended their four-game winless run in the Premier League with a controlled 2-0 victory over Wolves at the Etihad Stadium, easing recent pressure on Pep Guardiola and restoring belief ahead of a crucial Champions League week.
After a shock midweek defeat to Bodo/Glimt in Europe, Guardiola made a bold call by leaving Erling Haaland on the bench. That decision was justified as first-half goals from Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo ensured Manchester City put the contest to bed early against a Wolves side rooted to the bottom of the table.
The result moves Manchester City back within four points of league leaders Arsenal, who still had to face Manchester United on Sunday. Wolves, meanwhile, remain on eight points at the foot of the Premier League, their five-game unbeaten run in all competitions coming to an abrupt end.
Manchester City Dominate First Half After Haaland Decision
Guardiola’s team selection raised eyebrows before kick-off, but Manchester City looked sharp and purposeful from the opening minutes. Marmoush, making a lively return to the starting XI, was central to everything City did well in attack.
The opening goal arrived when former Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes—booed relentlessly by the away supporters—delivered a dangerous cross from the right. Marmoush reacted quickest, darting ahead of his marker to turn the ball home with confidence. It was a poacher’s finish and a moment that immediately vindicated Guardiola’s decision to rotate his attacking options.
Manchester City continued to press with intensity, pinning Wolves deep inside their own half. The visitors struggled to cope with City’s movement between the lines, particularly through midfield, where Guardiola’s side cut through Wolves with ease.
The second goal arrived before half-time following a slick passing move that sliced open the Wolves defence. Semenyo finished calmly after a sweeping team move, sending the Etihad into celebration and leaving Wolves with a mountain to climb. The Ghanaian forward nearly added a third moments later, only to see his powerful strike crash against the frame of the goal.
City Create Chances but VAR Drama Fails to Add More Goals
Manchester City maintained control after the break, though Wolves showed slightly more resilience in the second half. Marmoush came agonisingly close to extending the lead when his effort struck the post, and the Egyptian forward was arguably unlucky not to win a penalty during the same passage of play.
There was also a moment of controversy when referee Farai Hallam was sent to the pitch-side monitor to review a possible handball by Yerson Mosquera. After reviewing the footage, Hallam opted to stick with his original decision, denying City a spot-kick and keeping the scoreline at 2-0.
Guardiola responded by introducing Haaland, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku in the second half, adding fresh legs and ensuring Manchester City retained attacking threat until the final whistle. While no further goals followed, the home side never looked in danger of surrendering their advantage.
Confidence Boost Ahead of Champions League Clash
More than the scoreline, this was a performance Manchester City desperately needed. The intensity, control and fluidity that had been missing in recent weeks were back on display, particularly in the first half.
Dropping Haaland was a calculated risk, but Guardiola’s faith in his squad paid off, with Marmoush delivering one of his most energetic performances in a City shirt. The result also helps ease growing tension around the club’s recent form, both domestically and in Europe.
Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a midweek clash against Galatasaray awaits. Victory there could further convince supporters and critics alike that Manchester City are firmly back on track.
For Wolves, the problems continue. Despite a spirited recent run, they were second best throughout and remain stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table, facing a long battle for survival as the season progresses.
Source: Skysports