Marmoush leads the way as City steady their season
Manchester City restored calm at the Etihad Stadium with a controlled 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, as Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo delivered first-half goals to secure a first Premier League win in four matches — despite a major VAR flashpoint that infuriated Pep Guardiola.
The result followed a difficult week that included defeat in the Manchester derby and a Champions League setback in Norway, and Guardiola admitted beforehand that his side “needed to show personality and intensity from the first minute”.
City responded immediately, dominating the opening exchanges and recording 10 shots to Wolves’ 1 in the first half, alongside 68% possession, pinning the visitors deep.
Their pressure paid off in the sixth minute when Matheus Nunes crossed from the right and Omar Marmoush surged between defenders to volley home from close range.
- Goal: Omar Marmoush 6’ Manchester City
“I just attacked the space and tried to finish quickly,” Marmoush said. “We wanted to start fast and show the right mentality.”
City thought they had a golden chance to double their lead midway through the half when Marmoush darted into the box and his effort struck the post before rebounding off Yerson Mosquera’s arm. Referee Farai Hallam was sent to the pitchside monitor but controversially upheld his original decision not to award a penalty, judging Mosquera’s arm position to be natural.
Guardiola was visibly furious on the touchline. “It’s the first time I’ve seen a referee go to the screen and not change his mind,” he said afterwards. “Now everyone will know him.” Wolves boss Rob Edwards, however, defended the call, insisting: “His arm was in a natural position — fair play to the referee.”
City ensured the controversy did not linger long. Just before the break, Rayan Cherki threaded a pass through the centre and Antoine Semenyo raced into space before guiding his finish beyond José Sá.
- Goal: Antoine Semenyo 45+3’ Manchester City
“That’s the control and composure we need,” Guardiola later said. “When Antoine gets into those areas, he’s very hard to stop.”
The hosts remained in command after the interval. Semenyo rattled the woodwork with a fierce strike, while Marmoush continued to stretch Wolves with direct running. Despite renewed energy from the visitors, City’s back line — marshalled by debutant Marc Guehi, signed for £60 million — limited Wolves to three shots on target all match, completing over 600 passes and winning 58% of duels.
For Guardiola, the victory meant more than three points: it was a reminder of City’s resilience after consecutive setbacks and a demonstration of growing depth across the squad.
Wolves, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat in nearly a month, showing more ambition after the break but lacking the precision to trouble City’s disciplined defence.
City now turn their attention to European competition with renewed confidence, while Wolves must regroup quickly as their fight for stability continues.
