Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City defeated Ipswich Town 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium to claim another important three points.
Phil Foden scored for the host, while Daizen Maeda and Zian Flemming found the net for the visitors in an exciting Premier League match.
The victory gave City their seventh consecutive league win under manager Enzo Maresca. However, the home side had to survive a tense finish after the visitors reduced the gap with a late penalty.
Manchester City started strongly and took the lead in the 19th minute to make it 1-0. Phil Foden finished a move created by Jeremy Doku to put the hosts ahead and give the home fans something to celebrate.
However, City’s lead lasted only two minutes before Ipswich Town responded in the 21st minute when Daizen Maeda scored the equaliser after receiving a pass from Abdoul Ouattara.
The visitors showed that they were ready to fight rather than allow City to control the game without a challenge. The match carried on with a 1-1 scoreline between both teams at the Etihad.
City continued to push forward and looked for another goal. Their pressure paid off in the 34th minute when Erling Haaland scored with a header assisted by Mateo Kovacic.
The Norwegian striker’s goal restored City’s lead and gave the hosts a 2-1 advantage. Despite Ipswich’s response to the opening goal, City went into half-time ahead.
The host continued to create chances after the restart, while their opponent tried to stay in the contest. Haaland remained a major threat in the final third and scored his second goal of the afternoon in the 69th minute.
The striker completed his double after a move involving Iliman Ndiaye, who provided the assist. The goal gave City a two-goal cushion at 3-1 and appeared to put them in control of the match.
Ipswich made changes in an attempt to improve their attack. Zian Flemming and Chuba Akpom came on as the visitors looked for a way back into the game.
City also made substitutions, with Phil Foden replaced by Elliot Anderson and Doku making way for Antoine Semenyo. However, the closing stages proved more difficult than the home side expected.
Manchester City thought they had added a fourth goal during the closing stages, but the effort was ruled out for offside. A shot from Ndiaye struck the crossbar before the ball returned into play.
Haaland eventually finished the move, but the goal did not stand because Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position. City also missed other opportunities to put the match beyond doubt.
Semenyo had an effort blocked by Ipswich defender Issa Diop, while Flemming failed to make the most of a chance inside the penalty area.
The visitors were handed a lifeline after Abdul Fatawu went down in the box following a challenge involving Marc Guehi. The referee awarded a penalty after the incident was checked.
Flemming stepped forward and converted from the spot in the 90th minute, sending the ball down the middle to make it 3-2. The goal set up a nervous finish for Manchester City.
Ndiaye later shot wide after Haaland helped create the chance, while Jack Clarke made an important block to deny Haaland another opportunity.
The closing stages also brought yellow cards. Abdoul Ouattara was booked in the 73rd minute, while Josko Gvardiol received a yellow card in stoppage time for a foul on Fatawu.
Leif Davis was also booked late in the match. City were also left concerned about injuries which they will have to make some test before confirming how serious they are.
Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes were forced off earlier in the second half, while Haaland appeared to be in discomfort after having a late shot blocked by Clarke. Semenyo and Ndiaye also showed signs of discomfort.
Despite Ipswich Town’s late pressure, Manchester City held on to claim all three points after the win 3-2, and maintaining their perfect Premier League record this season.
Haaland’s two goals proved decisive, while Foden’s early strike helped City secure an important home victory. The visitors showed determination but were unable to complete their late fightback.
The result strengthened City’s position at the top of the Premier League table as they await Arsenal game, although their injury concerns will be something to watch in the coming days.
For now, Enzo Maresca will be more concerned with the results which is a positive one and they claimed the valuable three points to bounce back from the defeat they suffered against Paris Saint-Germain.
