Erling Haaland delivered another masterclass, netting his tenth hat-trick for Manchester City as they cruised to a 4-1 victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
With just 180 minutes of the new season behind us, Pep Guardiola has already identified a key trait that could be pivotal in the title race—and it emerged from an early defensive lapse. Ipswich’s Sammie Szmodics executed a perfectly timed run to slip through City’s defense, slotting a shot under Ederson. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna later admitted they had pinpointed this exact move as their best scoring opportunity, and the away fans erupted when it paid off just seven minutes into the match.
Last season, City developed a troubling habit of conceding early goals, often from direct balls through the middle. This time, it felt like déjà vu. Yet within just eight minutes, City had flipped the game on its head, scoring three goals to take a commanding 3-1 lead—a sequence that could prove crucial in the broader narrative of their campaign.
Guardiola, ever vigilant, was quick to warn against complacency after the match: “After winning what we have won in the past, if we think about if Ipswich is not good enough, for what we achieve, this is the only problem we can have,” he cautioned.
“But when I see the team from the first minute, it was completely opposite. How they respect Ipswich. I said to them a team who is promoted from League One to the Premier League in two seasons, it’s because they are something special. We play front foot, we could have won the game 4 or 5, the game would be over but 3-1 isn’t over.”
City’s respect for Ipswich was evident, reflecting their broader approach to any opponent. It’s rare for them to underestimate anyone. This was highlighted when Haaland equalized from the penalty spot. Rather than indulging in celebration, he and his teammates immediately sprinted back to the center circle, determined to resume play—perhaps mindful of McKenna’s pre-match comments that Ipswich is most vulnerable right after conceding. Liverpool’s quick double strike on the opening weekend had proven this point.
Moments later, City’s relentless pressure paid off. Savinho’s pressing forced Aro Muric into a mistake, leading to Kevin De Bruyne’s goal to make it 2-1. Just a minute later, De Bruyne set up Haaland for his second, making it 3-1—three goals in four minutes effectively sealing the victory.
Guardiola was particularly impressed by his team’s focus and urgency. “The body language is still there,” he remarked. “To find the team with the body language, how they defend set pieces or throw-ins, when we have the ball to attack. The first action is to threat to the opponent, still is there.”
Although Haaland’s hat-trick will dominate the headlines, Guardiola was more impressed by his team’s collective response to adversity. The minimal celebrations and the immediate push to capitalize on Ipswich’s vulnerabilities demonstrated a hunger and determination that could define their season.
Guardiola had previously questioned whether his players had the motivation to defend their title, even hinting that his decision to renew his contract might depend on their early-season attitude. Based on Saturday’s performance, it seems he might have already found the answer he was looking for.
