Erling Haaland bagged a hat-trick as Manchester City rallied from behind to thrash newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Premier League
Result: Manchester City 4-1 Ipswich Town
Date: 24 August 2024
Venue: Etihad
Man City were unchanged from their win over Chelsea in their opening game, as the fearsome attack of Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Savinho and Bernardo Silva continued.
City returnee IIkay Gundogan made the bench after he was re-signed from Barcelona during the week.
Ipswich had a dream start after Sammie Szmodics gave them the lead in the first seven minutes after he broke through on goal and scrapped a shot past goalkeeper Ederson in a one-on-one.
It did not take long for Pep Guardiola's charges to turn things around as five minutes later Haaland made it 1-1 from the penalty spot after Savinho was brought down in the box.
The hosts were 2-1 up just after 14 minutes after De Bruyne punished the mistake of goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, who was dispossessed playing from the back, with a tap-in.
Haaland eventually opened a two-goal cushion for the Citizens two minutes later and completed his brace with a diagonal chipped effort past Muric after he went through on goal.
City were already threatening to run riot towards the half-hour mark after Rico Lewis and De Bruyne were denied by the crossbar in two separate occasions.
The Tractor Boys had their moments going forward but they opened themselves up at the back, as on the stroke of half-time De Bruyne had a big chance for Guardiola's men after a cut-back by Jeremy Doku but he fired his shot over the crossbar from six-yards out.
The pace of the game took time to get going in the second stanza and the encounter came to life again only on 65 minutes after Muric denied Haaland City's fourth goal and his hat-trick with a save in the top corner following a header at the back post from the Norwegian.
With 20 minutes to go, the Spanish tactician needed fresh legs in attack, as Gundogan and Jack Grealish were introduced, both in places of Doku and Savinho.
City put pressure on Ipswich and with three minutes to go, Haaland eventually made it 4-1 and completed his hat-trick with a low drive after a scramble on the edge of the box.
