Manchester City snapped a four-match winless streak in the Premier League, recording their first victory of 2026 against Wolves. The champions had previously suffered a 0-3 defeat to Manchester United, followed by 1-1 draws with Brighton and Chelsea, and a 0-0 stalemate against Sunderland. Facing Wolves, a team that had only won one game all season and sat at the bottom of the table, presented an ideal opportunity for Pep Guardiola's squad to alleviate pressure.

The match at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, on 24/1, was largely one-sided. Manchester City dominated play, controlling 64% of possession and registering 11 shots, four of which were on target. In contrast, Wolves managed only one shot on goal throughout the game.

The home side quickly took the lead in the 6th minute. Matheus Nunes delivered a cross from the right wing, finding Omar Marmoush who slotted the ball into the net before defender Yerson Mosquera could clear it. This marked Marmoush's first Premier League goal of the season, coming shortly after his return from the Africa Cup 2026 with the Egyptian national team. Notably, all eight of his career Premier League goals have been scored at Etihad Stadium, a unique achievement for a player whose entire league goal tally comes from a single venue.

Omar Marmoush opens the scoring in Man City's 2-0 win over Wolves in Premier League round 23 at Etihad, Manchester, England on 24/1/2026. Image: Reuters

Manchester City extended their lead in the second minute of first-half injury time without needing to significantly increase the tempo. Following a central attack, Bernardo Silva provided a pass to Antoine Semenyo, who controlled the ball neatly before placing a left-footed shot into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Jose Sa with no chance. This goal was Semenyo's third in four matches since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth for 88 million USD.

Antoine Semenyo slides to celebrate scoring Man City's second goal. Image: Man City

A surprising decision by manager Pep Guardiola saw star striker Erling Haaland benched for the match. This move may have been influenced by the Norwegian forward's recent dip in form, having scored only one goal in his last eight appearances. However, it is also possible that Haaland was rested given Manchester City's demanding schedule in the early part of the year. Haaland eventually entered the game for the final 20 minutes but made little impact.

The match also marked the debut of new signing Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace for 27 million USD, signing a contract until 2031, just days prior. The English center-back partnered with Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov in the heart of the defense. These two were the most viable options for Manchester City at the time, as John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol were all sidelined with long-term injuries.

The 2-0 victory provides Manchester City with a much-needed boost and reduces their deficit to four points behind league leaders Arsenal, who are scheduled to face Manchester United in a key match of round 22 on the evening of 25/1.

Hong Duy