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They came straight out of the blocks, full of speed, energy and intention.
Kevin De Bruyne picked up where he left off last season, Raheem Sterling was so strong that defenders just bounced off him and even Phil Foden tried to make amends in his first game since being sent home from England in disgrace.
Manchester City looked like a revitalized team, ready to come back with a new purpose and determination to last the course in this season’s title race and put up a real fight this time around.
De Bruyne was so impressive in midfield as he orchestrated the play that he would often leave you looking around just to verify that City didn’t have an extra man or two on the field.
This was a declaration of intent from Pep Guardiola’s men and the City boss himself looked even more excited and intense on the touchline as he yelled orders to his players before wildly celebrating when they scored.
(Image: POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Nathan Ake debuted, his only new signing of the summer to start the game and there were second chances for John Stones, who really impressed in the middle, while Benjamin Mendy did well as a left back too.
All the talk this summer has been about a rebuild, they needed a full overhaul and yet the lineup looked very familiar about it and perhaps Guardiola is relying on the same players who were a distant second behind. Liverpool last season.
Unbelievably, City lost nine games last season, two of which were against the Wolves, both at home and away, and you felt like this was a great night for them where they had something to prove. And they did just that.
(Image: Getty Images)
They had to survive the late nerves when Raúl Jiménez scored with a beautiful header after 78 minutes, which was a reward for the way the Lobos got back into the game in the second half.
But you never expect the Wolves to be easy and yet City made it look that way at times in the first half when they were on a different level.
If this City performance comes after a disjointed preseason following a short summer break and positive coronavirus tests, imagine what they’ll be like when they catch up.
The wolves looked like a team that kept finding its way and the new Brazilian Marcal didn’t even last ten minutes before limping off injured and looking pretty disjointed.
The city didn’t need to ask twice. Foden’s attractive pass down the line found De Bruyne on the right edge of the penalty area, Romain Saiss crossed and made a reckless, sliding tackle to concede a ridiculous penalty. De Bruyne broke it at home.
(Image: POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
City made it 2-0 after 32 minutes when De Bruyne connected well with Sterling, who then threw his back for Foden to put up the easier chances at home from close range. That trio were the architects of the city’s victory, as they were great.
De Bruyne slid down the field, he looked magnificent at all times and Rui Patricio denied him another and City looked in cruise control. Foden was criticized for his antics in Iceland, but he is already showing that he has grown in the field.
The wolves returned in the second half as Rubén Neves, Daniel Podence and Jiménez closed in as the hosts pushed City back as the visitors fought back deeply. Sterling didn’t seem happy to be substituted late, but that only highlights how much he wants to win.
The Wolves almost reached a final in the stands as Podence passed a cross, Jiménez headed home but City secured their victory in injury time.
Gabriel Jesus made his way into the Wolves’ area and his shot was deflected by the unfortunate Conor Coady to complete an impressive victory.
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