Egyptian Marmoush superbly fired Pep Guardiola’s side into a sixth minute lead from close range before Semenyo then marked his first home Premier League start by scoring on the stroke of half time.
On an afternoon filled with positives there was also an assured and accomplished debut for new signing Marc Guéhi who shone at the heart of the Blues’ defence.
It was the perfect and timely response from City after frustrating losses at Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt.
Just as significantly, victory also strengthened our grip on second place in the Premier League and saw us narrow the gap on leaders Arsenal, who play tomorrow, to four points.
The game in 250 words
Showing five changes from the side that lost to Bodo/Glimt in midweek, including a maiden appearance for new signing Guéhi, City went straight onto the offensive as we sought to get back to winning ways.
Guéhi was immediately into the action, our new centre half seeing a fifth minute header from Bernardo’s corner smartly saved by Wolves’ keeper Jose Sa.
But we didn’t have long to wait for the breakthrough with Marmoush striking within 60 seconds in superb predatory fashion.
Matheus Nunes – back in action after missing the past two games with a virus – was the provider, the fullback whipping in an inviting cross from the right flank.
Marmoush, making his first start after returning from AFCON duty with Egypt, then showed tremendous anticipation and desire, driving forward to beat the visitors’ defence before steering the ball past Sa to provide the perfect start.
In what was a positive display full of intensity, Marmoush then clipped the post on 36 minutes after another smart City move before City were denied a penalty following a lengthy VAR check with the ball having struck Yerson Mosquera’s arm in the build-up.
However, after watching several replays on the pitchside monitor referee Farai Hallam. on what was his first Premier League start, adjudged that Mosquera’s arm was not in an unnatural position and waved play on.
Fortunately, City didn’t have to wait much longer for that crucial second.
It arrived via Semenyo in the second added minute of first half injury time.
The Ghanaian winger marked his first home Premier League start since joining City from Bournemouth by drilling home a smart finish from 15 yards after latching onto Bernardo’s pinpoint assist.
Wolves sought to up their attacking intent after the break with City needing to be alert at the back.
Donnarumma stood tall to deny Mosquera before a Strand Larsen header flew just wide on 66 minutes.
Only the crossbar prevented Semenyo from adding his second and our third after he unleashed a powerful 78th minute from 20 yards out before the bar also came to City’s aid from Mosquera’s 87th minute header.
But the Blues weren’t to be denied as we secured a precious three points.
Teams
CITY XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Reijnders (Foden 60), Semenyo, Cherki (Haaland 72), Marmoush (Doku 72)
Subs: Trafford, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Mukasa, Alleyne, Lewis
WOLVES: Sa, Tchatchoua (R. Gomes 45), Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci, H. Bueno, Andre, J. Gomes, Arias (Strand Larsen 45), Mane, Hwang (Arokodare 70)
Subs: Johnstone, Doherty, Wolfe, Agbadou, Lima, Lopez
Att: 52,469
DEBUT DELIGHT
Making his eagerly awaited City debut Marc Guéhi produced an assured display that oozed class and composure.
Comfortable in possession, astute in his reading of the game and always half a second ahead in his thinking it was a textbook centre-half display.
Given Marc had only had a few days to get accustomed to his new team mates, it was one that also augurs so well looking to the long term.
He’s going to bring so much to the City back line.
Sudden impact
On his first Etihad Premier League start, fellow January signing Antoine Semenyo also shone bright.
A superb first half goal, a rasping second half strike that cannoned back off the bar and an afternoon full of running and endeavour made for a fine afternoon’s work by the winger.
It was a display that will fill him and City full of confidence.
Player of the match
An opening goal and a fine all round display saw Omar Marmoush get straight back in the groove after his AFCON duties with Egypt.
Making a first Premier League start since August, it was a reminder of how Marmoush will add hugely to City’s firepower as we gear up for an intensive few months and it’s great to have him back.
PEP’s VERDICT
We won against a team who were unbeaten in the last four or five games so pretty pleased.
People have a question of numbers. Assists, goals, assists, goals, assists, goals so I’m happy with Omar for his energy. We did it.
The captain of Crystal Palace has to be something special. Really pleased for Marc. He is so demanding for ourselves to do better. Good players adapt quick and understand the game so that’s why.
MARMOUSH verdict
We fought until the end, showed a very good mentality from the beginning. He [Pep Guardiola] wanted us to put our hearts out there and fight for every ball.
Important to score a goal and help the team. I am very happy to be here after AFCON and help my team. I saw that Matheus [Nunes] broke through and it was a good finish. Happy for the goal and happy for the three points.
We just try to get our legs and mind fresh again and then we go again.
| 1 |
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Arsenal
Arsenal
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22 | 15 | 5 | 2 | 40 | 14 | 26 | 50 |
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| 2 |
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Manchester City
Man City
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23 | 14 | 4 | 5 | 47 | 21 | 26 | 46 |
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| 3 |
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Aston Villa
Aston Villa
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22 | 13 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 25 | 8 | 43 |
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What it means
The victory moves the second-placed Blues to within four points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
We now have 46 points from 23 games having accrued 14 victories all told.
The Gunners do however have a game in hand as they don’t play until tomorrow afternoon when they entertain Manchester United.
What’s next
City are back in action at the Etihad on Wednesday night when we play host to Turkish side Galatasaray in our final UEFA Champions League league phase fixture.
It’s a crucial match too with Pep Guardiola’s seeking the win that could well secure our place in the top eight – and with it a straight passage into the Round of 16.
The action gets underway at 20.00 (UK).
News about Man City v Wolves
Pep: Guéhi and Semenyo will be vital looking to the rest of the season
Pep Guardiola said the sparkling displays of January arrivals Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Wolves illustrated how important the pair will be to City looking both to the rest of the season and beyond. Read more
Marmoush ‘a special player’ says Pep
Pep Guardiola says he is delighted for Omar Marmoush after he scored the opening goal against Wolves and was voted Man of the Match. Watch more
City 2-0 Wolves: Reaction and stats
