Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 4-1 Ipswich Town (Premier League)

Manchester City reclaimed top spot in the Premier League table with a dominant 4-1 win over Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.

A little over two decades after the Ipswich faithful famously labelled City “the weakest link,” the newly-promoted side walked out on the Etihad pitch to a massive banner welcoming them to the home of the Premier League’s history makers.

Kieran McKenna’s side had raced into an early lead to shock those attending the Champions’ homecoming, before conceding three quick-fire goals of their own, as Erling Haaland scored his 10th Manchester City hat-trick.

Pep Guardiola’s men created their first chance in the opening few minutes, courtesy of an impressive run from Jeremy Doku, who masterfully guided the ball into the opponents’ box with a low cross.

City were stunned in the minutes after as the visitors forced them to concede a shock opener. Ipswich’s debut-making striker Sam Szmodics found himself at the end of a well-executed counter. Ederson got a touch, but couldn’t stop the ball from leisurely rolling over the line.

Manchester City found an equaliser soon afterwards however, as Erling Haaland converted from the penalty spot, with referee Sam Allison awarding a spot-kick following a VAR review of a challenge on new signing Savinho.

Shortly after, Arijanet Muric’s delayed attempt to clear the ball from the edge of his box saw him crumble under pressure from an on-rushing Savinho. Kevin De Bruyne buried the ball with a long shot to give City the lead before setting up another for Haaland to score his brace.

Although the Sky Blues remained in control, Kieran McKenna’s side settled into the game as the first-half progressed. The crossbar denied both Rico Lewis and De Bruyne, but City’s relentless chances successfully restricted the opposing team deep into their half.

The second-half started with Mateo Kovacic suffering an unfortunate injury. Despite attempts to continue, he was forced to walk out to resounding applause, with John Stones brought on to fill his role, while De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva occasionally dropped deep to support.

Haaland almost got his hat-trick close to the hour mark, but an incredible save from Muric prevented the Norwegian. The visitors almost troubled the City defence late in the second-half. However, the forwards’ indecisiveness allowed the Blues to recover.

Pep Guardiola brought on returning star Ilkay Gundogan, and Etihad rose to its feet to welcome their treble-winning captain back on home turf. Jack Grealish, who suffered a minor injury scare, also made his presence known with electrifying runs and fruitful interferences.

Manchester City persistently knocked at Ipswich’s defence for what seemed like an eternity before finding their fourth. Haaland and Lewis linked well to steal the ball on the edge of the box, and the Norwegian’s fabulous strike had no response from an unsuspecting Muric.

The Blues will be back in action next weekend when they take on West Ham United before the first international break commences, but here is how we rated the player during Saturday’s home win!

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6

The Manchester City goalkeeper could have done better against Sammie Szmodics’strike.

Rico Lewis – 7

Confident in progressing into the attacking role, should have scored his goal.

Manuel Akanji – 6

Let Szmodics sneak past him, grew stable into the role following John Stones’ introduction.

Ruben Dias – 7

Led the defensive line effectively barring the counter-attack that set Szmodics free to score.

Josko Gvardiol – 7

Paired well with Doku and De Bruyne on the left, was right to prioritise defensive work.

Matero Kovacic – 8

Retained the solid display from last week, instrumental in tearing up Ipswich’s midfield while regularly covering from Gvardiol in defensive duties.

Kevin De Bruyne – 9

Belgian brilliance at its best; scored brilliantly and created Haaland’s second goal with a beautiful assist.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Quietly donned multiple roles across the pitch, switching between attacking and defensive duties, effectively helped stretch the midfield.

Savinho – 8

Won a penalty for City and assisted De Bruyne’s goal, solid display.

Jeremy Doku – 6.5

Made good runs, which troubled the defenders marking him, but failed to find his teammates.

Erling Haaland – 9 (MOTM)

Solid penalty, followed it up with two well-struck goals to get his first hat-trick of the season.

Substitutes

John Stones – 7

Came on early in the second half and immediately helped gain control in the defensive midfield role.

Ilkay Gundogan – 6

Backed De Bruyne in the centre of the pitch, mirroring his play from when he last donned City colours. And if it’s not been said enough, welcome home!

Jack Grealish – 6

Quick runs but did not quite connect with other forwards, hesitant inside the box

James McAtee – N/A

Matheus Nunes – N/A