In a display of sheer dominance that sent shockwaves through the Premier League, Erling Haaland answered his critics in the most emphatic fashion possible. The Norwegian phenomenon netted four times, including two penalties, as Manchester City dismantled Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium. This commanding performance, covered in depth by Krikya, ensures the destiny of the title remains firmly in the hands of Pep Guardiola’s champions, who now sit just one point behind leaders Arsenal with a crucial game in hand.
The victory was a powerful statement of intent. With Arsenal having secured a win earlier in the day, the pressure was on City to respond. Any questions about their mentality were swiftly put to bed by a breathtaking individual exhibition from their number nine, moving them to within three wins of an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top-flight title.
A First-Half Masterclass and Penalty Drama
The match ignited early, albeit controversially. Just 12 minutes in, referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot after a collision between Josko Gvardiol and Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri. The decision was immediately labeled as “harsh” by pundits, with many observers feeling the contact was incidental as Gvardiol’s shot sailed over the bar. After a brief VAR check upheld the on-field decision, Haaland stepped up and coolly dispatched the penalty, sending José Sá the wrong way.

City’s dominance continued, and Haaland doubled his tally in the 35th minute with a classic striker’s goal. He soared above the Wolves defense to meet a pinpoint Rodri cross with a powerful header that gave Sá no chance. The hat-trick was completed deep into first-half stoppage time from another penalty. This time, Nelson Semedo clearly bundled into the back of Haaland. Pawson initially waved play on but was advised by VAR to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor, leading to the inevitable award. Haaland made no mistake, hammering the ball home to effectively kill the contest before the break.
Wolves’ Brief Hope and City’s Emphatic Response
Wolves managed to carve out a lifeline early in the second half. City goalkeeper Ederson uncharacteristically flapped at a cross, and the ball fell kindly to Hee-Chan Hwang, who buried the rebound. For a moment, it seemed the visitors might make a game of it.
Those hopes were extinguished almost instantly. City’s response was swift and brutal. Haaland, demonstrating why he is considered the most fearsome forward in world football, collected the ball, drove into the box, and unleashed a fierce drive into the far corner for his fourth and best goal of the game—a stunning solo effort that showcased both power and precision.
Substitute Julian Alvarez added a fifth on his 100th appearance for the club to put a final exclamation mark on the victory and chip away at Arsenal’s superior goal difference.
Post-Match Reactions: Pride and Frustration
Pep Guardiola, while pleased with the result, admitted his team wasn’t at its fluid best. “I didn’t have the feeling we were really good. Especially in the first half, we lost a lot of simple balls,” he told reporters after the match. However, he praised his team’s relentless nature, adding, “But against teams with high pressing we can counter attack – always we are a dangerous team.” He also acknowledged the return to form of his main marksman, stating that Haaland has returned from injury “at the right moment of the season.”
In contrast, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil was left to rue self-inflicted wounds and a controversial start. “I have to take responsibility for the way the game unfolds. We made a lot of errors – unforced ones – which gave Manchester City some really good chances,” he said. He was particularly critical of the first penalty decision, describing it as “terrible,” though he conceded the second was a correct call.
The Krikya Verdict: Haaland Silences the Doubters
The narrative around Erling Haaland this season has been peculiar. Despite a goal tally most strikers can only dream of, questions about his all-round play and performances in big games had begun to surface. This four-goal salvo was a thunderous reminder of his unparalleled prowess in the penalty area.
As one Krikya analyst put it, “He is a phenomenon, an animal in front of goal. This guy is built differently.” His frustration at being substituted in the 82nd minute, while momentarily tense, merely highlighted his insatiable hunger for goals. At just 23 years old, he already has six Premier League hat-tricks to his name, all at the Etihad.
The scary thought for the rest of the league is that this is supposedly Haaland in an ‘off’ season. Yet, he leads the Golden Boot race by five goals. His return to peak fitness could not be more perfectly timed for the title run-in.

The Title Run-In: City’s Destiny in Their Hands
The path to glory is now clear for Manchester City. Their fate remains entirely in their own hands:
- Fulham (A) – Saturday, May 11
- Tottenham (A) – Tuesday, May 14
- West Ham (H) – Sunday, May 19
Nine points from these final three games will secure a historic fourth consecutive Premier League crown, regardless of what Arsenal does. The trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a ground where City have never won in the league, looms as the potential decisive fixture.
Erling Haaland’s four-goal spectacle against Wolves was a chilling warning to Arsenal and a testament to Manchester City’s relentless winning machine. He single-handedly dismantled the opposition and propelled his team to the brink of history. The title race is now a three-game sprint, and with a weapon like Haaland in this kind of form, City are firmly in the driving seat.
What did you make of City’s performance and the title race? Share your thoughts and predictions with the Krikya community below

