Haaland scores a hat-trick as City triumphantly return to defeat Ipswich

Manchester City crushed promoted Ipswich Town 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday, scoring three goals in less than four minutes after conceding a stunning early goal.

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick, and Kevin De Bruyne also scored as City maintained their unblemished record in their pursuit of a fifth consecutive league title. Ipswich, on the other hand, failed to collect a single point.

According to City manager Pep Guardiola, “Haaland experienced significant difficulties last season, particularly in the initial stages.” “Most of the time, he experienced fatigue and discomfort.” He has arrived with a positive attitude, this time without any Euros along with the rest. There are figures that are simply preposterous.

Ipswich unexpectedly took the lead in the seventh minute when Sammie Szmodics was sent in behind City’s defense by Ben Johnson. Ederson mishandled his shot, which trickled into the net.

The visitors’ goal served as a catalyst for City, who scored three goals in a mere 191 seconds. This was further fueled by Haaland’s penalty in the 12th minute.

De Bruyne capitalized on a mistake by City’s goalkeeper, Arijanet Muric, to score the opening goal. Haaland scored his second goal when De Bruyne floated a pass over the top and the huge Norwegian beat Muric to it.

Ipswich was spared additional first-half embarrassment when Rico Lewis and De Bruyne hit strikes off the woodwork in rapid succession, as the crossbar was present.

Haaland’s fourth goal of the short season was scored in the 88th minute, as he completed his hat trick with a missile from just outside the 18-yard box.

The league newcomers were confined to their own end for the majority of the afternoon, and City, who held 76% possession, squandered numerous opportunities with 13 attempts to Ipswich’s one.

“We attempted to provoke them with the high pressing,” Guardiola stated. “Of course when you come here and we feel comfortable playing in our stadium, we can do what we have done again.”

In his first game for Guardiola’s team since 2023, Ilkay Gundogan was greeted by a resounding ovation by City fans upon his return to Etihad Stadium in the second half.

Guardiola expressed gratitude for the cordial reception he received. “He experiences an extraordinary level of joy.” (About portraying him) I harbored reservations. I have known him for a number of years, and he is fully aware of the actions he must take. He has returned, and I am exceedingly delighted.

Guardiola’s team had initiated their pursuit of another championship with a 2-0 victory at Chelsea last weekend, while Ipswich, who were re-entering the top tier for the first time since 2002, began with a 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool.