Premier League: Manchester City off to winning start with victory at Wolves

First-half goals by Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden plus a late Gabriel Jesus strike ensured Man City got a flying start to the Premier League campaign

Published : Sep 22, 2020 06:41 IST

Gabriel Jesus (left) of Manchester City celebrates with Ferran Torres after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus (left) of Manchester City celebrates with Ferran Torres after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City
lightbox-info

Gabriel Jesus (left) of Manchester City celebrates with Ferran Torres after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City

Manchester City got its Premier League campaign off to a flying start with a 3-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers thanks to first-half goals by Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden plus a late Gabriel Jesus strike on Monday.

The result means there has not been a single drawn match in the opening two rounds of Premier League fixtures and the 44 goals over a single 'game week' is a record for the 20-team era.

Wolves beat City home and away last season but Pep Guardiola's side was full value for its victory despite a strong response from the home side after it went 2-0 down.

Guardiola gave a debut to close-season signing Nathan Ake, the Dutch defender signed from Bournemouth, lining up alongside John Stones in the centre of defence.

While City were given a rest in the first week of the season, due to an August involvement in the Champions League, it was sharp out of the blocks, quickly finding rhythm.

"It's obviously hard. It's a weird season. We know we need to start well," said De Bruyne.

"Wolves have been a bit of a bogey team for us in the last few seasons. So it's encouraging to play well," he said.

PFA Player of the Year, De Bruyne put City in front with a penalty in the 20th minute. The Belgian broke into the box and was brought down by Romain Saiss before getting up to convert the spot-kick himself.

City's trademark passing game was at its very best for its second goal just past the half-hour, Foden ending a fine move with a clinical finish from a low Raheem Sterling cross.

Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio did well to keep out a De Bruyne effort as City threatened to put the game beyond them before the break but it was a different story after the interval.

Wolves' Daniel Podence broke goalwards but his attempted chip went over the bar and Raul Jimenez was then picked out by a low cross from Adama Traore but the Mexican side-footed wide from inside the box.

The home side finally gained some reward in the 78th minute when Jimenez headed home a Podence cross, but in stoppage time Jesus made sure of the win for the visitors with a shot which deflected off Conor Coady.

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo highlighted his team's failure to take its chances.

"We always have to give credit to our opponents because of the talent and the quality they have, but we should do better," he said. 

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment