**Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush after his return to the scoresheet in a 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday afternoon.**
Marmoush made his first start for the Blues since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations as Erling Haaland dropped to the bench ahead of a monumental UEFA Champions League group-stage decider against Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium next week.
It did not take long for Marmoush to make an impact on a Manchester City side that have been crying out for inspiration in attack this month, with the Egypt international meeting Matheus Nunes’ pinpoint delivery into the box to break the deadlock five minutes in.
Antoine Semenyo continued his outstanding start to life at the Etihad Stadium by doubling the hosts’ advantage on the cusp of half-time, latching onto Bernardo Silva’s pass and finding the bottom left corner with a crisp finish using his weaker left foot.
Haaland has struggled in front of goal so far in 2026 and after carrying an overwhelming majority of Manchester City’s burden in the final third in the first half of the season, the Norwegian was taken out of the side against Wolves by Guardiola to “clear his mind”.
Marmoush’s return and strike to open proceedings came to the delight of the Manchester City manager, who needs as much help as he can gets in attack as Blues vie for silverware on four fronts in the coming months.
The 26-year-old made a fast start to life in England after joining Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59 million in January 2025 but has struggled to see regular minutes come by this term.
After making a strong impression on his return to the lineup against Wolves, Marmoush drew praise from Guardiola. “Last season when he arrived, during two or three months he was unbelievable,” Guardiola said on the forward in his post-match press conference.
“Without him, it would not be possible to achieve UEFA Champions League qualification, or FA Cup Final. He’s a special player, of course margin to improve.
“Sense of goal, dynamic, energy, runs are really good. I see him more as a striker, not a proper winger. But he’s a guy for transitions, I’m so happy!”
Upon his return to the side, Marmoush added: “We fought until the end, showed a very good mentality from the beginning,” in conversation with [official Manchester City media](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/marmoush-post-wolves-reaction-pl-24-jan-63904845).
“He (Guardiola) wanted us to put our hearts out there and fight for every ball. It’s important to score and help. I’m very happy to be here after AFCON and help my team.
“I saw Matheus (Nunes) broke through and it was a good finish. Happy for the goal and three points. We just try to get our legs and mind fresh again and then we go again.”
Marmoush will be hoping that a five-star performance against Wolves would have earned him a starting place against Galatasaray next week, with Haaland expected to return to the lineup after being given a timely rest this weekend.