Ederson’s absence, amid reports of a move to Galatasaray, added intrigue to City’s goalkeeping situation.
Manchester City made a strong statement in their bid to reclaim the Premier League title with a 4-0 victory at Wolves on Saturday, as Erling Haaland struck twice to begin their campaign in style.
After finishing third last season and ending an eight-year run of trophies, Pep Guardiola’s side looked revitalised with new signing Tijjani Reijnders starring at Molineux. The £46.5m midfielder from AC Milan scored one goal and created another, while fellow summer arrival Rayan Cherki also found the net.
City’s opener came through Haaland after a clever Reijnders pass, before the Dutchman arrowed in a precise strike moments later. James Trafford, making his first senior appearance on his return from Burnley, impressed with his distribution to set up City’s third, finished clinically by Haaland.
Cherki sealed the win with a fine strike from distance. With tougher tests against Tottenham, Arsenal, Brighton, and Manchester United ahead, the champions showed signs of returning to their dominant best.