With another stellar performance from the Norwegian Erling Haalandwho scored three goals, Manchester City beat newly promoted Ipswich Town 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium in a match corresponding to the second round of the Premier League.
The team that has won the last four editions of the English competition was surprised at the start of the match by a team that is trying to establish itself in the elite after 23 years of absence. However, those led by Joseph Guardiola They reacted very quickly and got the game back on track after just over a quarter of an hour of play.
At 7 minutes, a pass into space from defender Ben Johnson (who has nothing to do with the former Canadian athlete who was disqualified after winning the 100 metres in Seoul 1988 for doping) left Irishman Sam Szmodics one on one with EdersonThe forward scored with a low shot that was grazed by the Brazilian goalkeeper and that nevertheless entered the home team’s goal with permission.
But Ipswich Town’s joy was short-lived, having made their debut in the competition last week with a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. Two minutes after Szmodics’ goal, Brazilian Savinho, one of City’s new signings for this season, broke down the right and was brought down by Leif Davis. Referee Michael Salisbury hesitated, consulted with the VAR officials, reviewed the move on the screen at the foot of the pitch and He ended up awarding a penalty that Haaland converted into a goal with a shot against the right post from the goal defended by Kosovar goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Four minutes of fury followed. Muric’s overconfidence, who twisted himself into a knot when trying to get out with his feet from his area, allowed Savinho to snatch the ball from him and He gave it to Kevin De Bruyne for the Belgian to score from an empty net. And just seconds after the break, De Bruyne played a precise through ball to the Belgian from the centre Haalandwho put the goalkeeper out of action with a header and then finished softly with his left foot.
Although there were still 74 minutes remaining, the 3-1 scoreline seemed to seal the match. Ipswich Town never managed to mount a reaction that would give them hope of a comeback and were dominated by City, who dominated the action at will and had several chances to increase their lead. They did so only two minutes from the end, with a very quick half-turn from outside the penalty area. Haaland, who nailed a low left-footed shot against poor Muric’s left post. In this way, the Scandinavian He scored his seventh hat-trick in 68 Premier League games and reached 94 goals in 101 matches. with the Manchester team.
Guardiola’s team, who had won 2-0 away to Chelsea in their debut, are maintaining their perfect run in the competition. Next Saturday, they will visit West Ham United in London. That same day, Ipswich Town will try to earn their first points in the competition when they host Fulham at Portman Road.
