Five Things Learned: Manchester City 4-1 Ipswich Town (Premier League)

An Erling Haaland hat-trick saw Manchester City romp to victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola’s men took to the Etihad Stadium pitch on Saturday afternoon for the first time this season. City had previously dispatched Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their maiden clash, thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic.

The visitors took a shock early lead as new signing Sammie Szmodics managed to squeeze his effort past Ederson and stun the Etihad Stadium, simultaneously leaving their travelling support in delirium.

Ipswich’s lead did not last long, however, as Manchester City were awarded a penalty following a VAR check after Leif Davis fouled Savinho inside the box. Erling Haaland would confidently convert before City took the lead through Kevin De Bruyne only minutes later.

The Belgian captain fired the Citizens in front from distance, after Savinho initially robbed Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, formerly of Manchester City, of the ball via an intense press from the Brazilian.

In just a matter of minutes, the Premier League champions found themselves 3-1 ahead as Erling Haaland grabbed a brace. Once again it was De Bruyne at the heart, chipping the ball over the top for the Norwegian to pounce, sending it sailing past Muric from a tight angle.

Manchester City were close to a fourth as both Rico Lewis and Kevin De Bruyne hit the crossbar with superb efforts as the home side headed into the break leading by two goals and dominating proceedings in Champion fashion.

Erling Haaland was denied a hat-trick just after the hour mark after his header was saved amazingly by Arijanet Muric. Ilkay Gundogan was brought on in the 71st minute to a remarkable reception from the Etihad as sky blue fans in all sections stood and gave applause.

The Tractor Boys defended well throughout the second half, but they could not stop Erling Haaland from grabbing his hat-trick. City’s number nine fired in a shot from outside the box at Muric’s near post to make it the 23rd hat-trick of his career.

Here are Five Things We Learned from Manchester City’s dismantling of Ipswich Town!

Kevin De Bruyne is ageing like a fine wine

There is no doubt that Kevin De Bruyne is one of the very best players in the world and has been for quite some time. His sumptuous assists and knack for getting important goals have been pulsing through Manchester City’s DNA since his arrival in 2015.

Despite being at the club just shy of a decade and turning 33-years-old, the Belgian maestro is just getting better. A goal and an assist on Saturday saw De Bruyne run the show once again and was a clear reminder that, in his case, age is just a number.

A perfect Premier League record

Erling Haaland has broken a lot of impressive records since arriving in England and has started this season in rampant form. Thanks to his three goals on Saturday afternoon, the Norwegian managed to claim yet another impressive stat.

His hat-trick versus Ipswich Town meant that he had scored against all 23 Premier League teams that he has faced. His predecessor and club legend Sergio Aguero shared a similar record with only Bolton avoiding the Argentine over the course of his 10-year stay in Manchester .

Haaland had very big boots to fill in the striker department at the Etihad but is making the Premier League look easy once again this campaign.

Welcome home, Ilkay Gundogan

To say Manchester City fans were delighted to welcome Ilkay Gundogan back to the club after a year in Barcelona would be an understatement. The sky blue faithful were well and truly over the blue moon to see their treble-winning captain back at the Etihad Stadium.

Coming on for Savinho, the German returned to the pitch to a raucous applause as some fans were still scratching their eyes at his return. Having only signed the day before, Gundogan looked like he had never left the club and managed to ooze class once more in his cameo.

What a signing he could turn out to be for Manchester City yet again come May.

Healthy squad depth

Manchester City have struggled with injuries and, as a result, squad depth in recent seasons. The club have the funds for sure and the world class players but injuries and suspensions have harmed them in the past.

Rodri’s absences last year, for example, led to Pep Guardiola’s side dropping points, but this issue has yet to affect them in the same way this campaign. The Spaniard remains absent and even an injury to his temporary replacement Mateo Kovacic, was not enough to dismantle City.

A substitution with John Stones coming on, and latterly Ilkay Gundogan, just showed that the Premier League champions are more than equipped to battle on all four fronts this year.

Savinho is the real deal

Pep Guardiola has lost a lot of talented wingers from Manchester City in his tenure with the likes of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez all departing. The Catalan coach has been searching for a dynamic forward player and he looks to have found him in Savinho.

After impressive showings against Manchester United in the Community Shield and Chelsea, the Brazilian once again caught the eye. An assist after some good pressing versus Ipswich saw a great first goal contribution in a City shirt with the winger yet to put a foot wrong in blue.