The Premier League’s bottom-side Wolverhampton Wanderers could not pose any real challenge to the title contenders. Manchester City secured a commanding victory by scoring twice in the first half.
At the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s side defeated Wolves 2–0. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring early, and Antoine Semenyo doubled the lead to seal a comfortable win.
City sit second in the table with 46 points from 14 wins and 4 draws in 23 matches. Leaders Arsenal hold a four-point advantage, having played one game fewer under Mikel Arteta.
After three consecutive draws in the Premier League, and a defeat at Manchester United, City had managed two wins in the League Cup and FA Cup, but also suffered a loss to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League last Tuesday.
Amid the frustration of recent setbacks, Guardiola opted to leave Erling Haaland on the bench for this fixture. Marmoush’s brilliance, however, ensured a perfect start. Receiving a cross from Matheus Nunes on the right, the Egyptian forward volleyed the ball from just outside the six-yard box to put City ahead.
City could have extended their lead on 35 minutes, but Marmoush’s shot hit the post. In the next minute, a potential penalty was denied when a Wolves player handled the ball inside the box; after a VAR review, the referee ruled the hand to be in a natural position.
Maintaining relentless pressure throughout the first half, City doubled their advantage before halftime. Making his league debut at the Etihad, Semenyo received a pass from midfielder Bernardo Silva inside the box, created space, and fired a precise shot past the goalkeeper.
The Ghanaian winger had joined City on January 9 after leaving Bournemouth and had already contributed a goal and an assist in his FA Cup debut the following day.
City’s attacking momentum slowed slightly after the break. They came close to scoring a third in the 78th minute, but fortune once again intervened. Semenyo, receiving a pass from Phil Foden inside the box, unleashed a powerful shot that crashed against the crossbar.
In the final minute of five added minutes, Wolves threatened City’s defence, but the 23-match-winless visitors could not create any real drama.
