Man City

Goals from Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden saw City to a 3-0 victory over Wolves and to the top of the embryonic Premier League table.

However, it’s hard to argue that Saturday’s goal will have done the 27-year-old the world of good. It also took him to his 100th goal in 99 appearances since leaving Red Bull Salzburg in 2020. [Rodrigo](https://www.mancity.com/players/rodrigo) looked to have doubled the lead inside ten minutes but his jumping challenge on Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa to win the ball was deemed a foul. [Foden](https://www.mancity.com/players/phil-foden)’s backheel and fired a first time cross that Grealish attacked and poked home from just inside the six-yard box in the way Haaland has so often already this season. It was a good performance from him. It was so important before the international break. It went from bad to worse for Wolves just after the half-hour mark when Grealish controlled a high ball only for Collins’ right boot to connect with his hip. To come here against this team, with the quality they have - Neto, Moutinho, Neves - they have the quality to transition so fast. Strong, made a good goal. "It was an incredible victory. In fact, it took just 55 seconds for Grealish to start the scoring. [Foden](https://www.mancity.com/players/phil-foden) worked a pocket of space on the right and waited for Kevin [De Bruyne](https://www.mancity.com/players/kevin-de-bruyne) to pass him on the overlap.

Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland gave Man City full control against Wolves, who merged an old template with a new one to take the points.

Three times in the first 15 minutes of the second half, the only minutes in which Wolves troubled City and forced their opponents to play facing their own goal, a ball was pulled back to roughly the penalty spot. Jack Grealish – The run across the box for his goal was excellent and the finish was well controlled. Kevin de Bruyne – Gorgeous run and cross for the opener, putting the ball on a plate for Grealish to find the net, and dictated the pace of the game for the majority. Rodri – Was booked early in the first-half for a cynical tug back to stop a Wolves counter, and managed the rest of the game well without getting himself into trouble. Manuel Akanji – Doesn’t look like a brand new signing, which might not be too hard in a team as brilliant as City’s, but cannot be asked to do any more so far. Ruben Neves – Booked for dissenting against a yellow card Nunes received, and was generally unable to have much of a positive impact, including spurning a couple of free-kicks in decent positions. Not strong enough on the ball and not enough stamina to help going backwards. Nathan Collins – Rightly sent off for a horrendous foul on Grealish just after the half-hour mark, stamping on the England man’s stomach with his boot in mid-air. City did manage to find themselves a third, though, as Phil Foden squeezed a smart finish inside the far post after a neat one-two between Haaland and De Bruyne down the right-hand side. In the second-half, Wolves were allowed to push forward while City sensibly allowed themselves to take a rest during the game, refusing to over-exert their energy too often with the victory secured. That combination of the old and the new could well take City to a level of dominance beyond that which they have already experienced since Guardiola’s arrival. [Pep Guardiola](https://inews.co.uk/topic/pep-guardiola?ico=in-line_link)‘s side were in control from the very start as the first attack of the game saw them take the league through England forward [Jack Grealish](https://inews.co.uk/topic/jack-grealish?ico=in-line_link).

Manchester City's Carlos Borges scored a late goal to secure a 1-0 over Fulham to send us second in the Premier League 2.

[Will Dickson](https://www.mancity.com/players/will-dickson) remained as a sole striker, with [Carlos Borges](https://www.mancity.com/players/carlos-borges) and [Oscar Bobb](https://www.mancity.com/players/oscar-bobb) acquiring roles on the flanks in support. [Shea Charles](https://www.mancity.com/players/shea-charles) anchored the midfield with [Kian Breckin](https://www.mancity.com/players/kian-breckin) and [Josh Adam](https://www.mancity.com/players/josh-adam) playing further ahead in attacking roles. [Finley Burns](https://www.mancity.com/players/finley-burns) had a lapse of concentration at the back when he gifted the ball to Terry Ablade, who struck their first effort on target, but was well saved by Mikki van Sas. Our right was troubling the visitors on many occasions in the second half. [Rico Lewis](https://www.mancity.com/players/rico-lewis), [Finley Burns](https://www.mancity.com/players/finley-burns), Kane, Taylor and Josh Wilson-Esbrand. [Carlos Borges](https://www.mancity.com/players/carlos-borges) was causing problems down The Cottagers’ right, with his width providing him space to drive into the box and his lay off to [Kian Breckin](https://www.mancity.com/players/kian-breckin) lead to a snapshot, which was blocked bravely by Charlie Robinson.

Jack Grealish scored in the very first minute as Manchester City steamrolled Wolves 3-0 at Molineux to climb top of the league. Erling Haaland continued his ...

Constantly appeared in dangerous positions in the Wolves box, including his goal. Did well considering the pressure. First taste of Premier League and continues to fit well. Busy display, flitting around and linking defence with attack effectively. Amazing vision for the opening goal and was a nuisance for the other 89 minutes. His vision created the killer opening goal and remained a threat with an eye for the quick shot even before his second assist.

Goals from Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden wrapped up the points for City, who played against 10 men for most of the afternoon.

It went from bad to worse for Wolves as Nathan Collins was sent off after 33 minutes for a high tackle on Grealish. When the game did get under way it took just 55 seconds for Grealish to put the visitors ahead. Fresh from his game-winning exploits in midweek, Haaland, who hadn’t been involved until that point, picked the ball up and drove at Max Kilman.

These are your Manchester City evening headlines on Saturday, September 17.

[Read more from Guardiola here.](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-city-news-grealish-guardiola-25044492) [Grealish](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/jack-grealish) came in for criticism after a poor display in the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday but was defended in the aftermath by manager [Pep Guardiola.](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/pep-guardiola) The Blues boss stuck by the playmaker for the trip to Wolves and was instantly rewarded. [City's](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-city-fc) No.10 found the back of the net after just 55 seconds at Molineux, turning in Kevin De Bruyne's cross, and went on to have a really good game, despite having Nathan Collins' studs launched into his midriff at one point. [Read more from Grealish here.](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-news-grealish-goal-25044703) [Akanji did four things to impress Guardiola](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-city-wolves-news-akanji-25044500) [Guardiola](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/pep-guardiola) had defended Grealish from scrutiny on the eve of this game and after it, Grealish said he owed his manager for that support. [Grealish](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/jack-grealish) came in for criticism after his performance in [City's](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-city-fc) Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund in midweek, but Guardiola kept faith with him and the £100million winger scored after 55 seconds at Molineux.

KALVIN PHILLIPS is a doubt for the World Cup after the England midfielder picked up an injury.

He is a player for the England national team and has improved incredibly as a player,” Guardiola asserted. “He was working under Marcelo Bielsa and he is British, which helps the Premier League. Speaking in August, Pep Guardiola insisted Phillips would play a big role for City despite his lack of action at the time. The 26-year-old has played just 14 minutes in his three substitute appearances for City to date. Phillips has had an injury-hit start to his City career since joining from Leeds for an initial £42million in the summer transfer window. Phillips has picked up a shoulder problem which could require surgery and leaves him in a race against time to be fit for the tournament which starts in November.

Kalvin Phillips has had a difficult time with injuries since signing for Manchester City and he is set for another spell on the sidelines.

City play Manchester United, Southampton, Liverpool and two games against FC Copenhagen before Southgate names his England squad. That has forced Phillips out of the England squad for September's Nations League games against Italy and Germany and he faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the World Cup in Qatar in November and December. [Phillips](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/kalvin-phillips) made his third appearance for the [Blues](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-city-fc) when he came on as a late substitute against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, but he has since suffered a relapse with a shoulder problem and wasn't part of the matchday squad against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.

Manchester City take on Wolves in their final Premier League fixture before the international break on Saturday afternoon.

Haaland makes it two and it's a rare goal outside of the box! He was defended by Guardiola yesterday after some criticism of his performance against Dortmund and this is the perfect response. It had already looked a matter of time until Haaland scored, given the way City had started, and he’s delivered already. The ball is pulled back to Guedes in a great position but he snatches at the ball and his effort goes in the wrong direction. This time it was just a yard in front of the striker, but Grealish was behind him to finish it off. As soon as Foden laid that ball off to De Bruyne you know what kind of cross was coming and you expected Haaland to be on the end of it. Grealish got the opener within a minute before Haaland naturally got on the score sheet. Collins was sent off for the hosts for a terrible challenge on Grealish. He picked the ball up very deep and maybe Kilman was fearful of his record in the box, as he backed off far too much and allowed the striker to run at him. A nasty challenge and deserved red. The game has come to a stand still for an applause to Queen Elizabeth II. Wolves have had their moments in this game and City have occasionally been slack in possession defensively, but when they go forward they look very dangerous.

JACK GREALISH was signed by Manchester City for £100million in the summer of 2021...

I know Guardiola has to defend him because he wasted the money - but if he didn’t sign Grealish for goals or assists then why did he buy him? He might as well have signed me." You know and every one of us knows if you did your best on this specific day.’” Dismissing statistics, Guardiola to the media: “We didn’t sign for the incredible goals or assists at Aston Villa. Richard Keys has hit out at Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard declared he did not sign £100million man Jack Grealish to score goals. It was another reason and when he played he did it.

Bruno Lage has hailed his 'brave and confident' 10-man Wolves side for their display against Manchester City, despite falling to a convincing 3-0 loss.

"It was our best period and we needed to score one goal to change something. "They don't like to spend too much time without the ball and we needed to make them run. He added: "The plan was simple, we need to keep the ball.

Tottenham Hotspur and Man City both win while AFC Bournemouth draw at Newcastle.

[Philip Billing](https://www.premierleague.com/players/8882/Philip-Billing/stats) poked home on 62 minutes to put the Cherries ahead but only five minutes later, Isak fired home from the penalty spot after [Jefferson Lerma](https://www.premierleague.com/players/37776/Jefferson-Lerma/stats) was adjudged to have handled inside the area. [Nathan Collins](https://www.premierleague.com/players/24659/Nathan-Collins/stats) was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Grealish in the 33rd minute before [Phil Foden](https://www.premierleague.com/players/14805/Phil-Foden/stats) wrapped up the win in the second half. [Jack Grealish](https://www.premierleague.com/players/4260/Jack-Grealish/stats) put City ahead in the first minute before [Erling Haaland](https://www.premierleague.com/players/65970/Erling-Haaland/stats) doubled the visitors' advantage with his 11th goal of the season. [James Maddison](https://www.premierleague.com/players/8456/James-Maddison/stats) equalised just before the break only for [Rodrigo Bentancur](https://www.premierleague.com/players/22802/Rodrigo-Bentancur/stats) to put Spurs ahead again. [Youri Tielemans](https://www.premierleague.com/players/5865/Youri-Tielemans/stats) had put the Foxes ahead on six minutes from the penalty spot but Spurs responded through headers from [Harry Kane](https://www.premierleague.com/players/3960/Harry-Kane/stats) and [Eric Dier](https://www.premierleague.com/players/4112/Eric-Dier/stats). [Arsenal](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/1/Arsenal/overview) at [Brentford](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/130/Brentford/overview) will see the Gunners return to the top of the table. [Everton](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/7/Everton/overview) will be hoping to earn their first victory of the season when they host [West Ham United](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/25/West-Ham-United/overview). [Gary ](https://www.premierleague.com/managers/128847/Gary-O'Neil/overview) [O'Neil](https://www.premierleague.com/managers/128847/Gary-O'Neil/overview), move up to 12th place on eight points, the same as Newcastle in 10th. [Alexander Isak](https://www.premierleague.com/players/21737/Alexander-Isak/stats) scored his first goal at St James' Park to rescue a point for [Newcastle United](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/23/Newcastle-United/overview) against a spirited [AFC Bournemouth](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/127/Bournemouth/overview). [Wolverhampton Wanderers](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/38/Wolverhampton-Wanderers/overview) to also maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. [Son Heung-min](https://www.premierleague.com/players/4999/Son-Heung-Min/stats) helped [Tottenham Hotspur](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/21/Tottenham-Hotspur/overview) come from behind to defeat struggling [Leicester City](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/26/Leicester-City/overview), a result which moves them level on points with [Manchester City](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/11/Manchester-City/overview) at the top of the table. [Tim Sherwood](https://www.premierleague.com/managers/7493/Tim-Sherwood/overview), who described Son as "a manager's dream."

Jack Grealish scored his first goal of the season for Manchester City in their Premier League win against Wolves at Molineux.

I go there with a good mentality and try to do the best for myself to help all of us’. "Wolves were better than us and you play a lot for a transfer, they have to do incredible things. That’s why I am happy for the goal he scored." "We didn’t help them to make more runners in the final third to create more time for him so that they have to play for themselves. I trust them unconditionally and Jack is not an exception," he said. [Guardiola](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/pep-guardiola) had defended Grealish from scrutiny on the eve of this game and after it, Grealish said he owed his manager for that support.

MANCHESTER CITY travelled to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Now it’s just a question of time to get back a little bit his momentum he had at the beginning of the season." "He started really well but had to stop for a problem in the ankle," said Guardiola this week. Referee Anthony Taylor didn't hesitate in giving the former [Burnley](/latest/burnley-fc) star his marching orders, with Grealish left in a heap on the turf.

A fifth win from seven league matches to date took us to 17 points in the table – and left us in top spot ahead of Arsenal's trip to Brentford on Sunday ...

[DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY APP](https://www.mancity.com/app) [De Bruyne](https://www.mancity.com/players/kevin-de-bruyne) has got there after just 217 matches – a staggering achievement. [Foden](https://www.mancity.com/players/phil-foden). [De Bruyne](https://www.mancity.com/players/kevin-de-bruyne)’s influence and impact was felt largely down on the right side. [Pep Guardiola](https://www.mancity.com/players/pep-guardiola) had spoken warmly about Grealish’s overall impact this term. [Pep Guardiola](https://www.mancity.com/players/pep-guardiola)’s side. [De Bruyne](https://www.mancity.com/players/kevin-de-bruyne) competed 30 successful passes and also had two shots to his tally. [SUBSCRIBE TO THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY PODCAST](https://www.mancity.com/podcast) [De Bruyne](https://www.mancity.com/players/kevin-de-bruyne) it was whose pinpoint cross provided the opening for [Jack Grealish](https://www.mancity.com/players/jack-grealish)’s crucial second minute opener. [De Bruyne](https://www.mancity.com/players/kevin-de-bruyne) did not find the net himself. [Foden](https://www.mancity.com/players/phil-foden)’s third goal on 69 minutes which set the seal on another vital three points. [Jack Grealish](https://www.mancity.com/players/jack-grealish), [Erling Haaland](https://www.mancity.com/players/erling-haaland) and Phil [Foden](https://www.mancity.com/players/phil-foden) were all on target at Molineux as [Pep Guardiola](https://www.mancity.com/players/pep-guardiola)’s side served up a commanding and classy all-round performance.

A dig into the numbers shows we really shouldn't be surprised the combination of Manchester City and Erling Haaland has resulted in an avalanche of goals.

This means, based on the quality of chances being created, they should have scored at least a couple of goals a game. Based on the chances created for him last season he had an xG of 15, but the Norwegian scored 22 goals. Gone are the days when a new signing from abroad carries any mystique in the Premier League. It showed a Manchester United supporter peering room a living room door and shouting incredulously; “f**king Haaland has scored a hat-trick in 38 minutes. He scored a hat-trick last game, we’re four games into the season and do you know how many goals he’s scored? However, with chance converter supreme Haaland now in City’s ranks, there was less of a risk of the Citizens wasting the chances it created. Such numbers would be a daunting prospect whatever team Haaland was joining, but with Manchester City, he has picked the side which has consistently been creating the most chances in the division. Do you know how many games there are? Using the expected goals (xG) metric, which breaks down a player’s chances by the average likeliness to score, Haaland also demonstrated an ability to convert opportunities with a high degree of difficulty. However, a dig into the numbers shows we really shouldn’t be surprised the combination of Manchester City and Erling Haaland has resulted in an avalanche of goals. [Squawka](https://www.squawka.com/en/erling-haaland-man-city-golden-boot-transfer/) explained: “Erling Haaland is the most clinical player in European football. To the amusement of much of the internet the fan gets more and more outraged, “four games” he repeats with rising exasperation, “he’s scored half the amount you need to be classed as a great striker already.

Following the loss to Manchester City, Liam Keen rates the players on their performance.

At least he forced Ederson into a save, which is more than can be said for others, but he then missed a golden chance. Neto looks a shadow of himself at the moment. Kilman failed to close down Haaland for his goal, but settled in the second half.

Manchester City were edged out 4-3 by Aston Villa on a dramatic opening day assignment in the FA Women's Super League at Villa Park.

[Lauren Hemp](https://www.mancity.com/players/lauren-hemp) and [Chloe Kelly](https://www.mancity.com/players/chloe-kelly) took their positions on the wings with Bunny Shaw playing up front. [Gareth Taylor](https://www.mancity.com/players/gareth-taylor) selected Laia Alexiandri to make her WSL debut, while captain Steph Houghton and [Esme Morgan](https://www.mancity.com/players/esme-morgan) both returned to the starting line-up after long absences. [Laura Coombs](https://www.mancity.com/players/laura-coombs) and [Filippa Angeldahl](https://www.mancity.com/players/filippa-angeldahl) linking the midfield to the attacking line. Just 10 minutes after their first goal, the home side struck again. [Ellie Roebuck](https://www.mancity.com/players/ellie-roebuck) was selected between the sticks, with a back four of [Demi Stokes](https://www.mancity.com/players/demi-stokes), [Alex Greenwood](https://www.mancity.com/players/alex-greenwood), Houghton and Morgan protecting her. [Gareth Taylor](https://www.mancity.com/players/gareth-taylor)’s side pushed late on in the half to try and respond, and on the stroke of the break, our efforts were rewarded. [Chloe Kelly](https://www.mancity.com/players/chloe-kelly) played the ball across the box to [Lauren Hemp](https://www.mancity.com/players/lauren-hemp), and from just outside the penalty area, her strike went straight into the gloves of home keeper Hannah Hampton. [Ellie Roebuck](https://www.mancity.com/players/ellie-roebuck) to square the game again, before Daly tapped in the winner to condemn [Gareth Taylor](https://www.mancity.com/players/gareth-taylor)'s side to an agonising defeat. [Esme Morgan](https://www.mancity.com/players/esme-morgan) both causing threats for Hampton and Roebuck respectively. Buoyed by the Villa Park crowd, Villa also sought a winner, and Dali played a ball through to Kirsty Hanson whose shot was spilled by Roebuck and Daly was at the right place at the right time to toe-poke the Villans into the lead. City came out revived after the restart and came close to levelling when, from a corner, Steph Houghton headed the ball into the box with Shaw meeting the second ball but her effort went just over the crossbar. [Laura Coombs](https://www.mancity.com/players/laura-coombs) struck to give City hope just before half-time.

Rachel Daly scores a brace on her debut to inspire Aston Villa's first Women's Super League win over Manchester City, inflicting City's first league season ...

Lehmann fouls though and City have a free kick. Lehmann and Daly saw the game 2-0 up but Coombs got City back into the match. Can Villa get their first WSL win over City or will Gareth Taylor’s side pull off a comeback? 47 min: City are building slowly but the cross in from Kelly has way too much on it it and sails out of play. 66 min: Villa steam forward, Dali takes a shot but it’s blocked. Villa are on the press after sloppy work from City but Gielnik’s shot is caught by Roebuck. City are coming forward but a miscommunication between Raso and Castellanos means an opportunity is missed. Daly is fouled and wins a free kick, just six minutes for Villa to make WSL history as they have never taken a point off of City in the league. Nearly 7,000 in Villa Park today. City are desperate to get a point here but they run it out of play. The BBC have just said that is the first time City have lost their WSL opener since 2014. Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor has told the BBC: “It’s a tough one to take and I think that shows everything.

Manchester City Women lost 4-3 to Aston Villa in their first game of the new WSL campaign.

In the 76th minute, the home side restored their lead and made it 4-3. City were really struggling to get a foothold in the match but managed to pull a goal back just before half-time through Coombs. City thought they had cleared a corner, but Villa recovered it well and worked the ball to Daly, who finished smartly. The goal gave Villa plenty of confidence and they started to move the ball quicker - putting City under pressure every time they had the ball in midfield. City looked far from their best on Sunday and were punished once again as Daly grabbed her second goal of the match and ultimately the winning strike in the 76th minute. However, it was the home side who took the lead at Villa Park, with Lehmann unleashing a strike past Ellie Roebuck after some good work from Lionesses star Daly.

Manchester City defeated Wolves 3-0 on Saturday and the front three was on song.

Away from the attack, Manuel Akanji had a very good Premier League debut as he continues his strong start to life at City. The Blues have conceded just once in his three appearances (with Jude Bellingham's goal having nothing to do with him) and it was another composed and assured display on his introduction to domestic English football. Erling Haaland has quickly got to work in destroying the Premier League's superiority complex by making every defender he comes up against look as though they're playing for a pub side. He has also now found the back of the net a remarkable 100 times in 99 games since leaving Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020 and has more goals this season (14 in all competitions) than 13 Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, and the same as Tottenham and Brighton. A big aspect of the front three working so well is that Foden is finding real joy on the right wing. That follows four goals that were scored when they first lined up alongside each other against Sevilla, this trifecta appears to be the one that's clicking the best for Pep Guardiola at the moment, with the interplay between all three working a treat.