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Starting on the right foot
Manchester City got their season off to the right start with a 2-0 win at Wolves Monday night.
The Blues showed no signs of rust despite an extra week off to prepare for this one.
City flew out of the blocks constantly pressing Wolves from the opening whistle.
They were rewarded in the 20th minute when last season’s Player of the Year Kevin De Bruyne was brought down in the box.
The Belgian made no mistake from the spot putting City ahead 1-0.
Twelve minutes later De Bruyne helped start a counter attack that led to the second goal.
He picked out Sterling on the flank who found Phil Foden in front for a tap in to make it 2-0.
Setting the pace
A 37-day layoff since they’re last match seemed to have no impact on the Citizens early on.
Their first-half pace was electric, the ball movement was quick and the attack was threatening every time up the pitch.
A tale of two half’s
The Citizens may have dominated the first half but the second half was a different story.
Wolves will rue several missed opportunities they had to change the game.
In the 54th Daniel Podence saw his turning shot sail just wide.
Podence was at it again in the 59th minute when he was clean in on goal but his chip sailed over the bar.
Minutes later John Stones was caught ball watching as Traoré fed Raul Jimenez in front but the Mexican couldn’t find the target.
Jimenez cut the deficit in the 78th minute with a brilliant header from a perfectly placed cross by Podence.
Gabriel Jesus got City’s third in the 95th minute after some good pressure from De Bruyne.
Man of the Match
Kevin De Bruyne played a huge role in all three City goals and was a force once again for the Blues.
The 29-year-old’s precision and vision were brilliant all game long.
Making History
The victory marks the 10th straight time City have opened their season with a win.
They’re the only team in the history of the Premier League to do that.
Statistics
City had 65 percent of the possession with nine shots on target and a passing percentage of just over 87 percent.
The majority of Wolves shots came in the second half but through 90 minutes they could only muster one effort on target.
Tough debut
With Aymeric Laporte unavailable Nathan Aké made his debut in central defence for City.
The Dutchman looked overly aggressive at times for the Blues and was fortunate that Wolves were disappointing in front of goal.
Next up
City will face Bournemouth at 7pm in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
Their next EPL action will be next Sunday when they host Leicester City at 4:30pm. (JSL)
