Erling Haaland scored twice as Man City maintained their perfect Premier League record with a hard-earned 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium.
Phil Foden marked his return to domestic action by opening the scoring before Daizen Maeda quickly levelled for the visitors.
Haaland restored City’s advantage before half-time and struck again after the break, although Zian Flemming’s late penalty ensured an uncomfortable finish.
Victory means Enzo Maresca has won each of his first seven Premier League matches in charge, setting a new competition record.
Foden scores on Premier League return
City began on the front foot and took the lead after 19 minutes. Jérémy Doku drove into space before cutting the ball back for Foden, who timed his arrival into the penalty area and swept a first-time finish beyond Christian Walton.
The advantage lasted barely two minutes. Maeda escaped behind the City defence, held off Marc Guehi and finished beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma to give Ipswich an immediate response.
The visitors briefly threatened to make matters even more uncomfortable, but City regained control, and Haaland restored their lead in the 34th minute following good work from Mateo Kovacic.
Haaland double sees off Ipswich
City continued to dominate possession after the interval, and Haaland struck again after 69 minutes. The Norwegian used his strength to get the better of Abdoul Ouattara before converting Iliman Ndiaye’s pass for his second of the afternoon.
A hat-trick appeared possible. Haaland had another effort ruled out for offside, while Enzo Fernandez was denied one-on-one and Ndiaye struck the crossbar as City looked for a fourth.
They were made to regret those missed opportunities when Ipswich were awarded a late penalty after Guehi caught Abdul Fatawu. Flemming converted to reduce the deficit and give the visitors hope during the closing stages, but City held on.
It was not as comfortable as Maresca would have wanted, but the response to Wednesday’s Champions League defeat by PSG was ultimately what mattered.
Seven league games have now brought seven victories, with City remaining top of the Premier League and Maresca making a little history of his own in the process.
For all the latest Man City news, analysis and updates, visit our Man City news page.
Comments.
Loading comments…