The new English Premier League season began successfully and memorably for Manchester City. Guardiola’s team, featuring Abduqodir Husainov, faced Wolverhampton away and scored four unanswered goals, delighting their fans.
The match was full of goals. Striker Erling Haaland started the top scorer race early and once again demonstrated his skill. The Norwegian forward netted 2 goals. In addition, the club’s new signings also made a bright impression. Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders not only scored but also provided an assist. Another debutant — French talent Rayan Cherki — also found the net.
Tijjani Reijnders entered the club’s history. He became the first player since legend Sergio Agüero to both score and assist in his debut match.
Another highlight of the game was that four new players debuted for City at the same time: Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and young goalkeeper James Trafford. Among them was our national team’s young star Abduqodir Husainov, who came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute and helped keep the team’s clean sheet.
After the match, Pep Guardiola spoke to journalists. He said he was pleased with the team’s performance overall but admitted not everything was perfect:
— I was satisfied with the first half and the overall result. In the second half, we couldn’t implement all of our plans. But for the first game, that’s a normal thing, — said Guardiola.
According to him, Wolverhampton played a little better in the second half, but City punished them with quick counterattacks:
— We have players like Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, and Tijjani Reijnders, who can attack at high speed. We plan to use this weapon more throughout the season to build attacks faster than in previous years, — the coach noted.
At the same time, Pep openly addressed the problems within the squad caused by its size:
— We have too many players. Rodri, Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic, Ederson, and Savio weren’t even included in the squad for the first game. Experienced players like Nathan Ake and Ilkay Gundogan remained on the bench. Having a large squad is useful for competing in all tournaments, but I don’t want anyone to be left out. This situation could negatively affect healthy competition, — said Guardiola.
According to him, the club has been aware of this issue since last season. Therefore, next week the club will work with players and their agents on possible exits. Guardiola believes that if the squad is not reduced, it will be very difficult to maintain team spirit.
Manchester City’s next Premier League match will take place on August 23 at the Etihad. In one of the main games of the round, Guardiola’s side will face strong opponents Tottenham.
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