Erling Haaland had to settle for a substitute’s role as Manchester City returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Wolves.
With just one goal in eight games and signs of tiredness creeping in, the normally prolific Norwegian was benched by manager Guardiola as the Premier League’s bottom side visited the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
City had been anxious to win to reignite their title challenge after a run of four games without success but, with a crucial Champions League clash to come on Wednesday, Guardiola opted to rest his star striker.
His judgement was vindicated as first-half goals from Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo saw off Wolves.
City can now look ahead to their European encounter…