Inspired Wolves completed the double over Manchester City as they buried Joe Royle's table toppers at Molineux last night.
On loan Everton striker Michael Branch struck twice in the first half and Manchester City were a big disappointment as they marked new striker Robert Taylor's debut by conceding four goals for the first time this season.
This was Colin Lee's 50th league game in the Wolves hot seat and his team turned on the style after successive 1-0 defeats at Ipswich and Tranmere.
They threatened with a Branch header in the opening seconds and needed only six minutes to go in front, leading scorer Ade Akinbiyi nodding home from almost on the line after a centre by Andy Sinton had been headed against the bar by Neil Emblen.
At the other end, Taylor, signed this week from Gillingham for £1.5 million, hammered a first-time shot against the bar before Wolves increased their lead in the 20th minute.
The busy Sinton was crowded out on the edge of the area but Branch turned superbly to fire home right footed from 15 yards.
The striker had not scored in four league games on loan at City last season but was to further make his mark after Shaun Goater had reduced the deficit by nudging home a left wing centre on the half hour by the fit-again Mark Kennedy.
After Akinbiyi had thumped a shot against the legs of keeper Nicky Weaver, the Nigerian international superbly did the spadework on the right as he crossed low to the near post, where Branch applied the finishing touch with his left foot.
Simon Osborn then released Darren Bazeley for a fine right wing cross that was driven home left footed by full back Kevin Muscat in the 68th minute to secure the points.
Wolverhampton: Oakes, Muscat, Pollet, Curle, Naylor, Bazeley, Osborn, Emblen, Sinton (Taylor 89), Akinbiyi, Branch (Corica 85). Subs Not Used: Stowell, Robinson, Sedgley. Booked: Pollet, Osborn. Goals: Akinbiyi 5, Branch 18, 40, Muscat 68.
Manchester City: Weaver, Granville (Tiatto 55), Wiekens, Jobson, Edghill, Bishop, Whitley (Pollock 55), Horlock, Kennedy, R Taylor, Goater. Subs Not Used: Crooks, G Taylor, Wright. Booked: Pollock. Goal: Goater 30.
Referee: S Bennett (Orpington).
