Guardiola Benches Haaland as Manchester City Cruise Past Wolves

City return to winning ways

Manchester City eased back to winning form with a controlled 2–0 victory over relegation-threatened Wolves at the Etihad, despite Erling Haaland starting on the bench. Pep Guardiola’s side had gone four games without a win in all competitions and needed a response to keep their title challenge alive.

With just one goal in his previous eight appearances and signs of fatigue beginning to show, Haaland was rested ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Galatasaray next week. Guardiola’s decision proved effective as City wrapped up the points before half-time through goals from Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo.

The result lifts some pressure off the champions and restores confidence ahead of their European assignment, with Haaland limited to a brief 17-minute cameo late on.

Early control and first-half dominance

City asserted their authority almost immediately and opened the scoring after just six minutes. Former Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes found space on the right flank and delivered a teasing cross that Marmoush converted from close range.

Semenyo soon had the chance to double the lead after racing onto a long pass from debutant Marc Guéhi, but his effort was comfortably saved by José Sá. Rayan Cherki also fired over as City continued to dominate possession and territory.

Wolves appealed strongly for a penalty when Marmoush’s flick appeared to strike Yerson Mosquera’s arm, but referee Farai Hallam ruled the contact accidental after a VAR review. Guardiola cut a frustrated figure on the touchline, yet his side made the decision irrelevant moments later.

On the stroke of half-time, Semenyo controlled a pass from Bernardo Silva before slotting calmly into the bottom corner, scoring his third goal in four appearances since his summer move from Bournemouth.

Wolves resistance but City stay in control

Wolves showed improved energy after the break and João Gomes narrowly missed the target from a free-kick. City, however, managed the game professionally, easing the tempo and limiting clear chances.

Mosquera went closest for the visitors late on when his header struck the crossbar from a corner, while Semenyo also rattled the woodwork at the other end. Haaland was introduced for the final stages but was not required to make a decisive impact as City saw out a comfortable win.