Yahoo Sports 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.
A little over two decades after the Ipswich Town faithful famously labeled Man 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 to raced into an early lead, however conceded three quick-fire goals, as Erling Haaland scored his 10th Manchester City hat-trick.
Pep Guardiola’s men created their first chance of the match 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.
Manchester City were however stunned in the following minutes after the visitors forced them to concede a shock opener. Ipswich’s debuting striker Sammie Szmodics found himself at the end of a well-executed counter-attack. Ederson managed to get a touch but couldn’t stop the ball from leisurely rolling into the unguarded net.
City found an equaliser soon afterward as Haaland converted from the spot, with referee Sam Allison awarding a penalty following a VAR review.
Shortly after, Muric’s delayed attempt to clear the ball from the edge of the box saw him crumble under the pressure from a charging Savinho. Kevin De Bruyne buried the ball into the goal with a long shot to give City the lead before setting up another goal for Haaland to score his brace.
Although the Sky Blues remained in control, McKenna’s side settled into the game as the first half progressed. The crossbar denied Rico Lewis and De Bruyne a goal each, but City’s relentless chances successfully restricted the opposing team deep into their half.
The second-half started with Kovacic suffering an unfortunate injury. Despite an earnest attempt to continue, he was soon forced to walk out of the pitch to a resounding applause from the Etihad Stadium. The City boss brought on John Stones to fill the Croatian’s role, while De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva occasionally dropped deep to support the defence.
Haaland almost got his hat-trick close to an hour’s mark, but an incredible flying save from Muric prevented the Norwegian from scoring another. The visitors almost troubled the City defensive line late in the second-half. However, the forwards’ indecisiveness allowed the Sky Blues to recover with an efficacious clearance in the nick of time.
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.
City persistently knocked at Ipswich’s defence for what seemed like an eternity before finding their fourth goal of the afternoon. Haaland and Lewis linked well to steal the ball at the edge of the box, and the Norwegian’s fabulous strike on target had no response from an unsuspecting Muric.
The Blues will be back in action next weekend when they take on West Ham before the first international break commences, but here is how we rated the player during Saturday’s home win!
Player Ratings
Ederson – 6
The 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 brillaintly 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 Buryne’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
