Pep Guardiola should have very little to criticize after a picture-perfect start to the Premier League season on Saturday in a 4-0 win over Wolves at the Molineux.
Erling Haaland scored twice, Tijjani Reijnders had a goal and an assist, and new boy Rayan Cherki also scored for City.
MORE — Wolves 0-4 Man City recap, video highlights
Oscar Bobb was scintillating at times on debut while Nico Gonzalez impressed and James Trafford kept a clean sheet in the four-star win.
It all happened without Phil Foden and Rodri, as City did little wrong and moved atop the Premier League table in these very early days.
What did Guardiola say at NBC’s pitchside desk with Rebecca Lowe, Tim Howard, Robbie Earle, and Robbie Mustoe? Read on...
Pep Guardiola reaction after Manchester City pummel Wolves
Could it have gone better? “No, not in the first half. The second we scored the goal, last 10 minutes, 15 were good with Rayan Cherki but normally first half we are not like that early in the season. It’s an important start away with a victory.”
What was so good about the first half? “We had more of the ball. Our performance in the high pressing was better. In the second half they had more chances as we were a little flat. It’s good. The players will be more open-minded to accept when you say something than after a defeat. Step-by-step, we’ll always try to be better. Last season we started by winning at Chelsea away and we saw what happened. We have 37 games to go. We’ll see what happens.”
How good was Tijjani Reijnders? “A lot because his rhythm defensively is good, and he’s so good with space with Nico. He has an incredible quality to make runs in behind and attack the gaps. The third goal, the quality — He knew he should be there.”
Does it motivate City to be overlooked? “We had been on top for so long. Last season we dropped because we were not starving enough after four [titles] in a row. It was a symptom of a lot of injuries. When you have incredible focus and you want to win, you don’t get injured. We got hurt a lot because our head was not there. Maybe it was a good message for the club for the future because [now] you don’t take it for granted. Maybe it’s a good warning for the next few years, not just this year. Do the proper things, and look to the competition — Liverpool, Arsenal, of course United and everything. It’s just a first step but it’s a good start.”
