Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, as Erling Haaland scored twice and Phil Foden marked his return to the starting line-up with a goal.
The result extended City’s winning run to seven league matches and secured a historic milestone for manager Enzo Maresca, who became the first manager to win his opening seven Premier League games in charge of a club.
However, the victory was far from straightforward. City dominated much of the contest but were made to work for all three points after Ipswich threatened a late comeback.
Foden Makes Immediate Impact
Foden gave City the breakthrough in the 19th minute, finishing from close range after Jérémy Doku created the opportunity with a cutback from the left.
The goal was an important moment for the England international, who returned to the starting line-up after serving a three-match suspension following his red card in the Manchester derby.
City’s advantage lasted only two minutes, however, as Ipswich responded through Daizen Maeda. The forward raced onto a ball behind the City defence before finding the bottom corner to bring the visitors level at 1–1.
The equaliser briefly disrupted City’s rhythm, but Maresca’s side continued to push forward in search of another goal.
Haaland Delivers When City Need Him
City restored their lead in the 34th minute through Haaland. After good work from Mateo Kovačić on the right, the midfielder delivered a dangerous cross that the Norwegian striker headed towards goal. Although goalkeeper Christian Walton initially made the save, the ball crossed the line to put City back in front.
The hosts went into half-time leading 2–1, but Ipswich remained competitive and refused to make the afternoon comfortable for the Premier League leaders.
Haaland struck again in the 69th minute to give City some breathing room. The striker used his strength to get ahead of Abdoul Ouattara, met Iliman Ndiaye’s pass and fired home to extend the advantage to 3–1.
The goal appeared to put City in control, and they had further opportunities to increase their lead. Enzo Fernández was denied in a one-on-one situation, while Ndiaye struck the crossbar.
Haaland also thought he had completed his hat-trick, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Ipswich Set Up a Nervous Finish
Despite trailing by two goals, Ipswich continued to fight and found a way back into the contest in the 90th minute.
Zian Flemming converted from the penalty spot after Guéhi was penalised for catching Abdul Fatawu in the area, reducing the deficit to 3–2.
The late goal set up a tense finish, with Ipswich pushing for an equaliser during an extended period of stoppage time.
City, though, held on to secure their seventh consecutive Premier League victory and preserve their 100 per cent league record.
Maresca Makes Premier League History
Beyond the three points, the result marked a significant achievement for Maresca.
The Italian became the first manager to win his first seven Premier League matches in charge of a club. City also matched their best-ever winning start to a league campaign, a record dating back to the 1897/98 season.
The victory kept City at the top of the Premier League table, although their position and points advantage over their closest challengers remained dependent on other results.
Phil Foden was named City’s standout performer after opening the scoring on his return to the starting XI. His positive display offered encouragement following his suspension, while Haaland once again demonstrated his importance with another decisive contribution in front of goal.
Attention Turns to the Champions League
City will now turn their attention to European competition, with a Champions League League Phase fixture against AEK Athens scheduled for Tuesday, 20 October, at the Etihad Stadium.
The quick turnaround will test Maresca’s squad management, particularly after the manager recently acknowledged that several key players may need rest during a demanding run of fixtures.
For now, City can take confidence from another victory, Foden’s return to the scoresheet and Haaland’s continued goalscoring form. Yet the late pressure from Ipswich will also remind Maresca that his side must maintain concentration until the final whistle.
