Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League after beating Ipswich Town 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium, with a double from Erling Haaland securing the victory. The match, played on October 17, 2026, was attended by around 55,000 spectators and was played in a more relaxed atmosphere than usual, without the tension that usually accompanies the English club's home games.
On matchday 7 of the league, Italian coach Enzo Maresca opted for an eleven quite different from the usual one, making six changes. The players who remained were Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rúben Dias, Marc Guehi, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland. In the return to the top eleven, Phil Foden, who had been suspended in the previous three days, returned to the starting line-up. The rest of the squad was completed with players such as Mateo Kovacic, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Ilman Ndiaye.
The game began with a goal from Phil Foden in the 19th minute, when a simple shot from his left foot gave City the lead. Ipswich responded in the 21st minute with a goal from Daizen Maeda, leveling the score. In the 34th minute, Haaland converted a header after a play by Kovacic, retaking the lead for the Manchester club. The third goal came in the 69th minute, when Haaland scored again, this time with a powerful first-time shot after a pass from Ndiaye. Ipswich tried to equalize in the final minutes, but Zian Flemming's 90th-minute penalty sealed the victory.
The game was more practical and less fluid than the typical Maresca style, with a solid defense but without the mobility that usually characterizes City. The team showed good control of the ball, although Ipswich's strategy of man-to-man pressure made the leader's offensive plays difficult. Despite the difficulties, City managed to maintain the advantage thanks to the efficiency of Haaland and the defensive solidity of Donnarumma.
With the victory, Manchester City remains at the top of the Premier League table, while Ipswich Town remains at the bottom of the table. The result reinforces Haaland's position as one of the most lethal forwards in the competition, and leaves City with renewed confidence for the upcoming games of the season.