Collins sees red, Haaland scores as City hammer Wolves

Erling Haaland helped fire Manchester City to the top of the Premier League as the striker continued his red-hot form at Wolves as Ireland international Nathan Collins was sent off for a hefty challenge on Jack Grealish.

The Norway international plundered a 14th goal in 10 appearances in a ruthless 3-0 win at Molineux.

Jack Grealish also sent a message to his critics, scoring dominant City's first-minute opener, with Phil Foden adding a third.

City moved above Arsenal, before the Gunners' Sunday trip to Brentford, in clinical fashion but were helped by Collins' reckless challenge on Grealish, which saw the defender dismissed before half-time.

Wolves, with just one win this season, did not crumble - especially after playing an hour with 10 men - but were outclassed and fell behind after just 53 seconds.

Foden's backheel freed Kevin De Bruyne on the right and, while his low ball was missed by Haaland, Grealish outmuscled Jonny to fire in his first goal of the season off a post from five yards.

Boss Pep Guardiola defended the midfielder before the game and it was only the £100million man's fourth Premier League strike for City, amid growing criticism of his output.

Wolves responded and Ederson saved from Goncalo Guedes but City always had control even during frantic moments of a hectic opening.

That was underlined when Haaland doubled their lead after 16 minutes. Wolves were left wide open when the striker collected Bernardo Silva's pass and drove at the defence from 30 yards.

There was a hesitancy about Wolves and, with Max Kilman backtracking, Haaland's bobbling shot found the bottom corner from 20 yards. It was his 100th goal in 99 games in all competitions since 2020.

The hosts had come back from 2-0 down, albeit against 10 men,