Manchester City overcame a shaky start to secure a dominant 4-1 victory against Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Erling Haaland netted three goals, while Kevin De Bruyne contributed with one, ensuring Pep Guardiola’s team maintained their perfect record this season with relative ease. The match initially saw Ipswich take the lead in the seventh minute through Sammie Szmodics, but City’s response was swift and decisive, with Haaland scoring twice around De Bruyne’s goal in a five-minute span from the 12th to the 16th minute.
Manchester City demonstrated their attacking prowess, outshooting Ipswich 14-1, registering an impressive 3.15 expected goals (xG) compared to Ipswich’s 0.24, while controlling 74% of possession. With this win, City moved up to six points, taking the top spot on the Premier League table, whereas Ipswich remains winless at 19th place with a goal differential of minus-5.
City had previously defeated Chelsea 2-0 in their opening match and played without Rodri in this encounter, although Ilkay Gundogan made a return in the second half alongside substitutes John Stones and Jack Grealish. Ipswich, who returned to the Premier League after a 22-year absence, faced difficulties as City’s relentless pressure quickly snuffed out any dreams of a repeat of their last two wins at Manchester City.
Despite not having Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and Nathan Ake available, Pep Guardiola’s squad was able to cruise through the game, with Rico Lewis hitting the crossbar and further opportunities arising for both De Bruyne and Haaland.
Looking ahead, Manchester City will face West Ham next week, while Ipswich Town prepares for their League Cup match against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday before hosting Fulham next Saturday.