Manchester City Beat Wolves 2–0 as Guardiola’s Gamble Pays Off
Manchester City returned to winning ways on Saturday with a comfortable 2–0 victory over Wolves in their Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side came into the match under pressure after back-to-back defeats to Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt, and they knew that anything short of a win would further dent their title hopes. The players responded with a composed performance that also cut Arsenal’s lead at the top to four points.
With Erling Haaland surprisingly left on the bench, City handed a starting role to Omar Marmoush, and the decision paid off almost immediately. The Egyptian forward opened the scoring in the first half, giving the hosts a deserved lead after a bright start.
City thought they had the chance to extend their advantage from the penalty spot, but VAR overturned the decision, denying Guardiola’s men. Still, the setback didn’t affect their rhythm, as Antoine Semenyo made it 2–0 before halftime to put City firmly in control.
The second half saw City manage the game intelligently, keeping Wolves at arm’s length and preserving a clean sheet, even though no further goals were added.
Opinion: A Statement Win Built on Trust, Not Panic
This was more than just three points for Manchester City—it was a statement of calm and belief. Guardiola’s decision to bench Haaland could have backfired, but instead, it highlighted the depth and flexibility in City’s squad. Marmoush seized his moment, proving that competition within the team can be healthy rather than disruptive.
City may not have been at their most explosive, but they were professional, patient, and ruthless when it mattered—hallmarks of a team that knows how to win titles. With Arsenal still in sight and momentum slowly rebuilding, this result could mark the start of another familiar City charge.
For Wolves, it was a reminder of the fine margins at the Etihad. For City, it was reassurance that even without their main man scoring, they still know how to get the job done.
