Manchester City 4 (Erling Haaland 12′, 16′, 88′, Kevin De Bruyne ’14, )
Ipswich Town 1 ( Sam Szmodics 7′, ).
Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City cruised to a 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium. After an early scare when Sam Szmodics gave Ipswich Town an early lead Pep Guardiola’s side put their foot down after that to cruise to a 4-1 win. Erling Haaland scored a hat trick to show how hungry he is for another big season.
The biggest story pre-game was the news of Phil Foden’s illness forcing him out of Manchester City’s squad for the game. But the champions rose above the loss of their star midfielder to pick up all three points.
Here are the City player ratings and a brief match report from City’s victory at the Etihad Stadium.
First half
The game kicked off in glorious sunshine at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s side began the game by dominating possession and probing away at a stubborn Ipswich Town rearguard. That looked to be the pattern of play until nine minutes of chaos unfolded.
First of all, Ipswich Town took the lead after a quick counter through Sam Szmodics. The Tractor Boys won possession in their own half and broke with pace to open the scoring. They deserve credit for their goal after Szmodics’ smart finish squeezed under Ederson to give Ipswich the lead. But that goal just fired Pep Guardiola’s side up.
Following Szmodics’ shock opener Manchester City immediately went back to work. They got their reward in the 12th minute. Savinho was brought down in the box, and it appeared to be a clear-cut penalty. At first, it wasn’t given, but a VAR check confirmed that the Brazilian international was felled in the box. Erling Haaland stepped up to expertly convert the spot kick to equalise. What came next was four minutes of carnage from Manchester City.
Two minutes later Ipswich Town got themselves into all sorts of trouble at the back. Savinho dispossessed Ipswich Town keeper Arijanet Muric with some brilliant pressing, which left Kevin De Bruyne with the simple task of side-footing home to give City a 2-1 lead in the 14th minute. But more was to come two minutes later.
The champions were in the mood and Erling Haaland added another in the 16th minute. He was expertly played through by Kevin De Bruyne. The Norwegian international rounded Muric and tapped in the simplest of finishes to give Manchester City a 3-1 lead. After being shocked by Ipswich Town in the 7th minute, 9 minutes later Manchester City had complete control of the game.
The remainder of the first half calmed down after a frenetic opening 16 minutes. City dominated possession and Rico Lewis and Kevin De Bruyne both hit the crossbar as City looked to add to their lead. After a frenetic opening City would go into halftime with a 3-1 lead.
Second half
The second half was in no way as eventful as the opening 16 minutes of the game. Manchester City dominated possession and Ipswich Town were determined not to let City score again. From a Manchester City point of view, the biggest disappointment was seeing Mateo Kovacic hobble off in the 50th minute with an apparent hip injury.
Three big moments defined the second half following the injury suffered by Mateo Kovacic. Firstly Ipswich Town keeper Arijnat Muric made a stunning save from an Erling Haaland header in the 64th minute. He more than redeemed himself for his error in the first half.
Secondly, Ilkay Gundogan made his return to the pitch in the 70th minute. He was part of a double substitution and received the hero’s welcome he deserved upon his introduction. It was a special moment between the Manchester City fans and the club legend.
Welcome home, @IlkayGuendogan 🩵 pic.twitter.com/fbUMhnU5R4
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 24, 2024
Finally, Erling Haaland completed his hat trick in the 88th minute with a rocket from outside the box to round out City’s win. Haaland rifled home with a low shot to cap off a fantastic day for Manchester City.
Here are the City player ratings from Pep Guardiola’s side’s emphatic 4-1 win.
City player ratings
Ederson- 6/10: He had very little to do but he will be disappointed to concede early on. Ederson was once again superb in possession.
Rico Lewis- 8.5/10: Another brilliant display from Lewis. If he continues his early season form for the entire season there’s an argument to be made that he is the biggest young English talent in the game.
Manuel Akanji- 7.5/10: Solid again at the back and brilliant when in possession.
Ruben Dias- 7.5/10: Continued his strong to the season with another quality showing.
Josko Gvardiol- 7.5/10: Gvardiol took his game up a gear from his performance against Chelsea. Was cool in defence and calm in possession.
Mateo Kovacic- 7/10: The Croatian international continued his good form from last weekend before being substituted with a hip injury. Hopefully, the injury isn’t too serious as he looks in superb form.
Kevin De Bruyne- 8/10: Scored one and set up Haaland’s second with a sublime ball. A great all action display from De Bruyne.
Bernardo Silva- 7/10: He spent the majority of the game on the periphery of proceedings but did what he had to do well.
Savinho- 8/10: Another quality display from Savinho. He won the penalty for City’s equaliser and set up De Bruyne’s goal with his pressing. He already looks up to speed with the way City play.
Jeremy Doku- 6.5/10: He wasn’t poor by any stretch but the majority of City’s play came through Savinho and De Bruyne on the right wing. He looked dangerous on occasions to his credit.
Erling Haaland- 10/10: It’s easy to judge Erling Haaland’s performances. If he scores one, it’s a seven or more. A brace is an 8 or a 9, and a hat trick is a 10. Simple as that. Haaland was superb today and looks set for a massive season.
HAT-TRICK!!! 🎩
🩵 4-1 🚜 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/G2UEZmwMqM
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 24, 2024
Substitutes
John Stones- 7/10: Replaced Kovacic after halftime in midfield and looked calm and composed. City don’t need another midfielder they have one in Stones.
Jack Grealish- 6/10: He showed a bit after coming on late. He picked up arguably the most absurd yellow card of the season late but he did look fit and hungry.
Ilkay Gundogan- 6/10: It was a special moment when he came on late in the second half. He didn’t miss a beat and it looked like he’d never left.
James McAtee- N/A: Not on long to mark.
Matheus Nunes- N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
