Tijjani Reijnders enjoyed his first match in the Premier League. The Dutch international immediately grew into one of the standout performers for Manchester City in his debut in the English competition. He was involved in three of the four goals scored against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Tijjani Reijnders had the role of number 8 in the league opener for the title contenders and repaid Pep Guardiola’s trust in full with a sparkling performance that immediately endeared him to Manchester City fans.
In his very first Premier League match, the Dutch international not only showed composure and vision but also decisiveness in the final third. With his involvement in three of City’s four goals in a comprehensive 0–4 away victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, he proved he could be a key figure in Guardiola’s evolving midfield.
From the very start, Reijnders was given license to push forward while still maintaining balance in the midfield structure. Guardiola, who has been known for carefully integrating new signings, showed enormous faith by deploying him in a role that demands both tactical discipline and attacking flair. City dominated possession in the opening stages, but Wolves pressed aggressively, looking to unsettle the champions. It was during this phase that Reijnders’ calmness and ability to escape tight situations stood out. Rather than panicking under pressure, he consistently found clever passing angles, recycling the ball with intelligence and occasionally driving forward with purpose.
The breakthrough came after just over half an hour, and Reijnders was at the heart of it. Picking up the ball in midfield, he surged forward and, with a perfectly weighted lofted pass, picked out the overlapping Rico Lewis on the right. The young full-back delivered a low cross into the box, and as so often happens, Erling Haaland was in the right place to finish clinically for 0–1. The goal not only rewarded City’s patient build-up but also highlighted Reijnders’ ability to link the midfield with the attack in a direct and incisive way.
Barely minutes later, Reijnders etched his own name onto the scoresheet. In a swift counterattack, he timed his run perfectly from deep, bursting through the Wolves defense. When the ball fell kindly for him, he showed no hesitation, striking cleanly past José Sá to make it 0–2. The celebration reflected both relief and joy his first Premier League goal, on his debut, in a match where all eyes were on how he would adapt to the English game. It was a statement moment, proof that he was not just a facilitator but also a finisher capable of changing the tempo of a match.
His influence didn’t stop there. Early in the second half, City continued to press forward with confidence, and once again Reijnders was central. Cutting in from midfield, he played a sharp ball out wide before drifting into the box. When the return cross came, he calmly pulled it back across goal, where Haaland converted for his second of the night, stretching the scoreline to 0–3. The understanding between the two new teammates seemed almost instinctive, with Reijnders’ timing and Haaland’s predatory instincts combining to devastating effect.
In the final minutes, City added a fourth, killing off any faint hopes of a Wolves fightback. The scoreboard read 0–4 at full time, a resounding victory that underlined City’s dominance and gave them the perfect start to their title defense. While Haaland’s brace once again captured headlines, it was Reijnders’ complete performance assist, goal, and overall midfield control that made him the standout figure.
After the match, the Dutchman spoke to the BBC with a broad smile, clearly savoring his dream debut. “This is a great start. I’m very happy with my assist, my goal, and the big win,” he said. “I’ve felt the intensity of the Premier League. It’s tough, but also beautiful. Wolves put us under a lot of pressure, but that also gave us the space to play our game.” His words reflected both humility and excitement, acknowledging the challenge of England’s top flight while also expressing confidence in his ability to adapt.
Discussing his link-up with Haaland, Reijnders was effusive in praise for the Norwegian striker. “Erling Haaland is a target man you can always find, he’s always ready to score. I knew he was going to score as soon as he got the ball,” he admitted when asked about the third goal. The comment underlined the natural chemistry that could become one of City’s most dangerous weapons this season.
In Guardiola’s tactical setup, Reijnders was flanked by Bernardo Silva and Nico González, the latter stepping in to play the holding role in the absence of Rodri. The arrangement gave the Dutchman freedom to carry the ball forward, exploit spaces, and join attacks, while still maintaining defensive responsibility when needed. His athleticism and willingness to press high fit seamlessly into City’s structure, giving them a midfield that could both dominate possession and launch rapid transitions.
For City, the night was more than just three points. It was proof that their summer investment in Reijnders was already paying dividends, and that Guardiola may have found another midfielder capable of dictating games in the mold of İlkay Gündoğan, who left the club last year. His box-to-box qualities were on full display, with powerful runs into the penalty area matched by intelligent link-up play. The performance also reassured fans that City’s depth remains formidable, even with key absences like Rodri.
As for Wolves, the defeat was a sobering reminder of the gulf that still exists between them and the reigning champions. They pressed valiantly in spells and did their best to disrupt City’s rhythm, but individual quality and clinical finishing ultimately proved too much. Despite the 0–4 scoreline, they did force City into mistakes at times, and Reijnders himself acknowledged that the pressure made the game difficult.
For Reijnders, though, the match will be remembered as a milestone. From AZ Alkmaar to AC Milan and now to Manchester City, his journey has taken him from the Eredivisie to the Premier League spotlight in just a few years. To deliver such an impact in his very first game is not only a personal triumph but also a sign that he could play a central role in City’s quest for silverware this season.
With one goal, one assist, and a hand in another, Reijnders left the pitch to loud applause from the traveling City fans, who have already taken to him as one of their own. If this debut is any indication, Manchester City may have unearthed yet another midfield gem capable of writing his name into the club’s modern era of dominance.
