Phil Foden also found the net for City, who survived a late scare after Zian Flemming converted a penalty to set up a tense finish. The victory marked City’s seventh consecutive league win under Maresca, making him the first manager to win his opening seven Premier League matches in charge of a club.
However, the result came with concerns over Haaland’s fitness after the Norwegian striker appeared to be struggling with an injury late in the game.
Foden Opens the Scoring for City
Manchester City began on the front foot, controlling possession and looking to break down an organised Ipswich defence.
The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute when Jérémy Doku delivered a cutback into the penalty area. Foden arrived at the right moment and finished first-time to register his first goal of the season.
Ipswich responded almost immediately. Daizen Maeda raced into space behind the City defence, held off Marc Guéhi and finished into the bottom corner in the 21st minute to restore parity.
The equaliser briefly unsettled the hosts, but City continued to create opportunities and eventually regained the lead through their prolific striker.
Haaland Strikes Twice
City restored their advantage in the 34th minute when Mateo Kovačić produced clever work down the right before Haaland capitalised on the opportunity to score.
The Norwegian remained a constant threat after the break, using his physical strength and movement to trouble Ipswich’s back line.
His second goal arrived in the 69th minute. Haaland outmuscled Abdoul Ouattara before connecting with Iliman Ndiaye’s pass and firing home to make it 3–1.
The strike was another milestone in Haaland’s remarkable Premier League career. He reached 100 non-penalty Premier League goals in just 139 appearances, setting a new record for the fastest player to achieve the feat.
Haaland looked to have completed his hat-trick later in the match, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Ipswich Push City Until the Final Whistle
Ipswich refused to surrender despite trailing by two goals and continued searching for a way back into the contest.
The visitors were handed a late opportunity when Guéhi caught Abdul Fatawu inside the penalty area. Flemming stepped up in the 90th minute and converted the resulting penalty to reduce the deficit to 3–2.
The goal created a nervy finish for City, who had to remain disciplined during the closing stages to protect their lead.
Ipswich deserve credit for their resilience, but City held on to secure all three points and preserve their 100 per cent league record.
Injury Concern as Haaland Limps Off
Although City celebrated another victory, Haaland’s apparent injury became a major talking point after the final whistle.
The striker was seen limping as he left the pitch and headed down the tunnel, raising concerns about his availability for the club’s upcoming fixtures.
City have also had other fitness concerns during a demanding period, making Haaland’s condition particularly important given his influence in attack.
The club will hope the issue is not serious as they prepare for another busy run of domestic and European matches.
Maresca Creates Premier League History
The victory was another landmark moment for Maresca, who became the first manager to win his first seven Premier League matches in charge of a club.
City have collected 21 points from seven league games, strengthening their position at the top of the table and moving six points clear of second-placed Arsenal ahead of the Gunners’ fixture against Nottingham Forest.
The result also represented a response to City’s 4–2 Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
Despite the European setback, Maresca’s side demonstrated their attacking quality and determination to continue their impressive domestic run.
What Comes Next for Manchester City?
City will return to European action on Tuesday, 20 October, when they host AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League.
Attention will also turn to Haaland’s fitness, with the club expected to assess the striker before determining his availability for the upcoming fixtures.
For now, City can celebrate another important league victory, although the late scare against Ipswich underlined the need to remain focused even when holding a comfortable advantage.
Match Details
• Manchester City: 3
• Ipswich Town: 2
• Manchester City scorers: Phil Foden 19', Erling Haaland 34', 69'
• Ipswich Town scorers: Daizen Maeda 21', Zian Flemming 90' (pen)
• Competition: Premier League
• Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
• Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
• Manchester City manager: Enzo Maresca