Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City defeated Ipswich Town 3-2 to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season with a seventh consecutive victory.
Phil Foden also found the net for City, who moved to 21 points from seven matches, opening a six-point gap over defending champions Arsenal ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Despite their strong performances on the pitch, City remain embroiled in a major off-field dispute after being found guilty of more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. The club has appealed the verdict, describing the proceedings as a “Premier League conspiracy”.
The outcome of the appeal could have significant consequences, with City potentially facing a substantial points deduction or expulsion from the top flight if the verdict is upheld.
At the Etihad Stadium, City supporters made their feelings known before kick-off by booing the Premier League anthem. Thousands also waved inflatable bananas, a symbol associated with the club’s supporters during a difficult period in the late 1980s.
On the pitch, Foden opened the scoring in the 19th minute, turning sharply before finishing after Jeremy Doku’s incisive run created an opening in the Ipswich defence.
Ipswich responded two minutes later when Daizen Maeda evaded Marc Guehi and fired home to restore parity.
Haaland put City back in front in the 34th minute, meeting Mateo Kovacic’s cross with a precise header.
The Norwegian striker struck again in the 69th minute, racing onto Iliman Ndiaye’s pass before guiding his effort beyond Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton.
The goal was Haaland’s 12th in his last eight appearances for City, underlining his continued importance to the team’s attack.
Ipswich threatened a late comeback when Zian Flemming converted a 90th-minute penalty after Guehi was penalised for a foul. However, City held on to secure all three points.
The victory extended City’s winning run to seven league matches, marking their best start to a Premier League season. It also continued Enzo Maresca’s impressive beginning to his managerial reign.
City will now be hoping Haaland has not sustained an injury after the striker left the field in visible discomfort following a late attempt on goal.
