Despite some key absences Pep Guardiola’s side made an electric start at Molineux but could not sustain it
First half scintillating; second half a touch concerning. This was Manchester City in a season-opening trip to Wolves that could be cast as the start of what might be the greatest test yet for Pep Guardiola: the uncharted territory of a fifth season in charge of a team who had question marks against them before kick-off wherever you looked.
Sergio Agüero was out for two more months because of a knee injury. Aymeric Laporte was missing owing to recovery from Covid. Ilkay Gündogan had been placed in quarantine after testing positive for the virus. A 35-year-old Fernandinho was selected in defensive midfield, Nathan Aké made his debut alongside the uneven John Stones in central defence and though David Silva ended a glittering decade by departing in the summer, the bench lacked its usual blanket strength in depth.
Related: Gabriel Jesus ensures Manchester City start with a win despite Wolves rally
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