Five Things Learned: Manchester City 2-0 Wolves (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City secured a long-awaited first Premier League victory of 2026 after beating Wolves by two goals at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Two superb finishes from Omar Marmoush and January signing Antoine Semenyo are what made the difference this time out as the Sky Blues returned to winning ways – following an abhorrent week that featured losses against Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt.

Contrary to the disjointed performance in midweek in the Arctic Circle, Manchester City looked fluid in the final third whilst also being defensively resolute, as Guardiola’s January reinforcements excelled themselves, both being instrumental in the victory for their side.

The Blues came out of the blocks flying against Wolves as with just five minutes on the clock, a superb cross from welcome returnee Matheus Nunes was met by a quality finish from Omar Marmoush, who poked past Jose Sa for his first Premier League goal of the season.

City were much more convincing in possession on Saturday afternoon than they have been of late, pressing with intensity and purpose whilst moving the ball around the Etihad turf with increased confidence.

The hosts appeared fluid and dynamic in the final third throughout the first-half as they attempted to carve open Rob Edwards’ side and after 37 minutes, a potential handball from Colombian Yerson Mosquera was thought to have given them the chance to do so.

On his own Premier League debut however, match referee Farai Hallam – despite being summoned to the screen by VAR Darren England – maintained his original decision of no handball, which left Guardiola’s side aggrieved.

Perhaps this was encouragement for the home side as mere minutes later, in stoppage time, a delicate ball by Bernardo Silva found the feet of Ghanaian sensation Antoine Semenyo, whose first touch was flawless, allowing him to unleash an exceptional effort that found the far corner, doubling Manchester City’s lead just before the interval.

In the second period, the visitors were much improved and a multitude of their set pieces caused problems for the Blues’ back line.

City, however, struggled to create anything significant aside from a Semenyo strike which struck the woodwork and refused to let their clean sheet slip, sticking to their task well, making sure of the 2-0 victory and the first three points of the new year.

It was not a vintage performance but it’s a job well done for the Blues – and there were definitely positives to take. Here are five things we learnt from Saturday’s win over Wolves at the Etihad Stadium:

1. Welcome to Manchester, Marc Guehi

In regard to how well a debut can go for a central defender at a new club, you can’t ask for much more than the exemplary performance of January signing Marc Guehi on his first appearance in blue.

The £20 million man slotted in seamlessly for Manchester City as he orchestrated the backline and handled every test the Wolves forwards had for him without issue, being brilliant in possession and appearing composed as ever.

Guehi completed 95 passes whilst also being assured defensively, earning a clean sheet and appearing as if he had played alongside his teammates for months already.

When asked about his debut, the defender said: “It’s good, it’s good,” in conversation with club media. “I don’t want to get too ahead of myself but I’m thankful for the opportunity and thankful to be at the football club. And it’s not bad; it’s good.”

Given the injury conundrum in central defence for Guardiola at present, Guehi’s brilliant start will be a pleasant sight and if City’s new number 15 can maintain these levels, the Blues can enjoy a trophy-laden finish to the season.

2. Matheus Nunes: Integral

Had you explained to anybody of a Manchester City persuasion 12 months ago just how vital Matheus Nunes would be to this team, I’m not too sure how seriously they would have taken it, but the development of the Portuguese has been very impressive and cannot go unnoticed.

In the last week, which involved two disheartening defeats against Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt, in which City’s performances were, in truth, unacceptable, it became increasingly evident that the number 27 is a key fixture in this side owing to his abilities in attack and defence.

So, following his short absence due to a bout of flu, City fans were pleased to see Nunes return to Guardiola’s XI and he did not disappoint against his former club.

Not only did he produce a top-drawer cross for Marmoush’s opener, making it four league assists this campaign, but the 27-year-old also succeeded at his defensive duties, winning 60% of his aerial duels and 50% of his ground duels, emphasising how important the Portugal international is to this team and how big a boost his return is.

3. Always believe in your soul, Antoine Semenyo!

Another game in blue for winter recruit Semenyo: another goal and another great performance. The 26-year-old’s goal epitomised everything City have sorely missed in wide areas in recent campaigns: finishing and conviction in front of goal. It was truly an impeccable finish from the winger to cap off a performance that matched the calibre of the strike.

That now makes it four goal contributions in four appearances across competitions for the former Bournemouth player, who has certainly settled into this complex Guardiola system quickly and hit the ground running at Manchester City.

Despite the fact that the number 42 cannot feature in the Champions League for City until the knockout stages, he will be an invaluable asset to the club, especially given the extreme fixture congestion, as they battle on four fronts in hopes of silverware, with his directness and goal threat an undeniable weapon in the arsenal of Guardiola’s attacking ranks.

4. Bernardo Silva: Unsung Hero

Manchester City’s captain is a player who often receives heavy scrutiny on social media but today amplified that the 31-year-old is a key cog in the clock that is Guardiola’s system and is irreplaceable in terms of making the Blues tick.

The number 20 was everywhere on Saturday afternoon, battling for every second ball and tirelessly running the hard yards to aid the back four for the home side. The midfielder made five recoveries, two tackles and two blocks whilst also providing a deft assist to Semenyo for the second goal. Silva was at the heart of everything for Manchester City.

Regardless of your thoughts on Silva at present, on many occasions he has been unfairly scapegoated, and it is time to realise that the skipper is of immense importance to this football club, both as a leader and in dictating the play on the pitch, so City’s longest-serving current player definitely deserves his plaudits.

5. Back to winning ways

It wasn’t a perfect performance by any means but it was one that was desperately needed by Guardiola and Manchester City as they got over the line to turn the page on a poor week and finally put an end to the torrid winless league run.

The main positive to take from this fixture is the fact that the residents of the Etihad Stadium looked far better in all departments; albeit against lesser opposition, with all due respect to Wolves, it is a step in the right direction for the Citizens, that’s for sure; and given the instant impact of the January signings, this result is one that brings optimism for the coming weeks.

That win now leaves Manchester City second in the division, four points behind leaders Arsenal pending their clash against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening. Thoughts of a title challenge are not completely redundant as of yet; leapfrogging the imperious Gunners will be difficult but not impossible. Stay positive, Blues!