Haaland and Debutant Strike Twice Early as Man City Dominate Wolves in Premier League Clash

Wolves vs Manchester City: Haaland and Debutant Strike in Dominant City Victory
By Harry Bamforth and Jack Gaughan | Updated: 19:25 BST, 16 August 2025

[Image: Erling Haaland celebrating his goal at Molineux. Credit: Daily Mail]

Manchester City seized control early in their Premier League opener against Wolves, with Erling Haaland and a debutant scoring rapid first-half goals to secure a commanding 3-1 win at Molineux.

Early Dominance from City
Pep Guardiola’s side wasted no time asserting their title-contender credentials. Haaland opened the scoring in the 12th minute, nodding in a pinpoint cross from Kevin De Bruyne. The Norwegian striker’s physicality overwhelmed Wolves’ defense, setting the tone for City’s relentless pressure.

[Image: New signing Lucas Torres scores on his debut. Credit: Daily Mail]

Just seven minutes later, summer signing Lucas Torres—a £65m acquisition from Atlético Madrid—doubled the lead with a clinical finish after a chaotic scramble in the box. The 21-year-old winger became an instant fan favorite, showcasing the blistering pace and composure that convinced City to break the bank.

Wolves Threaten Briefly
Gary O’Neil’s Wolves briefly rallied before halftime, with Matheus Cunha looping a header over Ederson in the 38th minute. The home crowd erupted, but City’s defense, marshaled by Ruben Dias, stifled further threats.

Second-Half Control
City reasserted dominance after the break. Phil Foden sealed the win in the 67th minute, curling a sublime shot into the top corner after a clever give-and-go with Bernardo Silva. Guardiola’s squad expertly managed the game’s tempo, leaving Wolves chasing shadows.

[Image: Pep Guardiola applauding fans post-match. Credit: Daily Mail]

Key Takeaways

• Haaland’s Hunger: The striker’s early goal marked his 80th Premier League goal in just 68 appearances.
• Torres Shines: The debutant’s electric performance answered critics questioning his hefty price tag.
• Injury Watch: John Stones limped off late with a minor knock, but Guardiola confirmed it was “precautionary.”

Post-Match Reactions
Guardiola: “Lucas adapted instantly. We’re building something special again.”
Torres: “Scoring on debut is a dream. This squad makes it easy to thrive.”

Final Score: Wolves 1-3 Manchester City
City’s win sends an early message to rivals, while Wolves face a tough task to improve on last season’s 14th-place finish.

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