Haaland, who expressed his preference for the nickname "cushion king" in a late July interview with TIME magazine, scored his first goal of the new Premier League season in typical fashion.

Erling Haaland taps into an empty net to open the scoring in Man City's 4-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux Stadium, West Midlands, England, 16/8/2025. *Photo: Reuters*

In the 34th minute, newcomer Tijjani Reijnders surged through midfield and slotted a pass to Rico Lewis, who then crossed to the far post. Haaland, as usual, was perfectly positioned to tap the ball into an empty net, opening the scoring.

Haaland has now scored in all four of his opening Premier League matches: two against West Ham in the 2022-2023 season, two against Burnley in 2023-2024, one against Chelsea, and two against Wolves this season. In Premier League history, only Mohamed Salah boasts a better scoring streak, having netted in six consecutive opening matches from 2017-2018 to 2022-2023.

In the 61st minute, Reijnders again made his mark, driving into the penalty area before cutting the ball back for Haaland to finish with a clinical strike, completing his brace. The Norwegian striker became Man City's highest scorer in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola, with 87 goals in 98 matches, surpassing Raheem Sterling (85 goals in 194 matches) and Sergio Aguero (82 goals in 125 matches).

Erling Haaland slides on the grass to celebrate his second goal, making it 3-0. *Photo: Danehouse*

Besides Haaland, the new signings also shone brightly in Man City's victory. Reijnders not only assisted Haaland's brace but also doubled the lead in the 37th minute with a powerful left-footed shot after a surging run.

Reijnders became the 13th Man City player to score in his Premier League debut and the second to both score and assist in his first match, following former striker Sergio Aguero against Swansea City in 2011.

Another newcomer, Rayan Cherki, sealed the victory. In the 81st minute, after a flowing move through the center, the French midfielder shifted the ball onto his right foot and curled a shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Jose Sa. Cherki, signed for 41.1 million USD from Lyon, wears the number 10 shirt and is expected to fill the playmaking void left by Kevin de Bruyne.

Rayan Cherki (center) celebrates his goal, which sealed a 4-0 victory. *Photo: AP*

Cherki came on as a substitute for Haaland in the 73rd minute and needed only seven minutes and six seconds to score his first Premier League goal. At 21 years and 364 days old, Cherki is the second-youngest Man City player to score on his Premier League debut, after Bradley Wright-Phillips (19 years and 269 days old) against Middlesbrough in 12/2004.

Man City faces a tougher challenge in the second round of the Premier League against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on 23/8.

Hong Duy