By MANCHESTER, England — Erling Haaland netted a hat-trick as Manchester City overcame an early deficit to defeat newly-promoted Ipswich Town 4-1 in Premier League action on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.
The result marks Ipswich’s second consecutive loss to start their Premier League campaign, a feat not experienced by the club since the 2006/07 season.
Ipswich, last season’s Championship runners-up, stunned the home crowd by taking an early lead. Summer signing Sammie Szmodics broke through City’s defense and slotted a shot between goalkeeper Ederson’s legs to put the visitors ahead.
However, Manchester City, four-time defending Premier League champions, quickly responded. Ipswich defender Leif Davis fouled City’s Savinho in the penalty area, allowing Haaland to equalize from the spot.
The champions then seized control with two goals in quick succession. Kevin De Bruyne capitalized on a mistake by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, who was dispossessed near his own goal, allowing De Bruyne to score into an empty net.
Moments later, De Bruyne turned provider, setting up Haaland who rounded Muric to score his second, giving City a 3-1 lead before halftime.
City continued to dominate, with Rico Lewis and De Bruyne both striking the crossbar. Muric partially redeemed himself with a flying save to deny Haaland his hat-trick midway through the second half.
The introduction of Ilkay Gündoğan, making his second debut for Manchester City after rejoining the club, drew a standing ovation from the home supporters with 20 minutes remaining.
Haaland completed his hat-trick in the closing moments of the match, securing City’s 18th win in their last 19 Premier League games against newly-promoted opposition.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s response to the early setback. “We showed great character today,” Guardiola said. “Ipswich caught us by surprise, but the team reacted brilliantly, especially Erling and Kevin.”
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna acknowledged the challenge his team faced. “It’s been a tough start for us, facing Liverpool and now City,” McKenna said. “But these games are why we fought so hard for promotion. We’ll learn from this experience.”
The result leaves Manchester City with a perfect start to their title defense, while Ipswich are still seeking their first points of the season.
Haaland’s hat-trick takes his tally to four goals in two matches, putting him at the top of the early Premier League scoring charts. De Bruyne’s performance, with a goal and two assists, underlines his continued importance to City’s attacking prowess.
As the Premier League season unfolds, Manchester City’s dominant display serves as a reminder of the gulf in class newly-promoted teams must overcome, while Ipswich Town face the challenge of adapting quickly to top-flight football to secure their Premier League status.
