Haaland scores twice as Manchester City beat Ipswich Town 3-2

Manchester City returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland scored twice and Phil Foden found the net on his return from suspension for a side dealing with major off-field scrutiny following the financial charges against the club. The result keeps Enzo Maresca's team at the top of the table.

• Manchester City won 3-2 at home against Ipswich Town.
• Erling Haaland was the standout performer with two goals; Phil Foden scored on his return.
• Doku assisted Foden and helped create the second City goal.
• City arrived hurting from their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
• Ipswich pulled one back late through a Flemming penalty.

How Manchester City lined up against Ipswich after their European setback

Maresca shook up his team following the Champions League defeat to PSG. He made six changes to the starting eleven as he looked to freshen up the side and restore confidence in the league. Only Donnarumma, Rúben Dias, Guéhi, Doku and Haaland kept their places from the European match.

The most notable inclusion was Phil Foden, who had missed the previous three league matches through suspension following an incident in the Manchester derby. His comeback could hardly have gone better as he opened the scoring in the first half.

First half: Foden strikes early and Haaland responds before the break

City did not produce the free-flowing, dominant football often associated with top Premier League sides. It was a slow contest at times, with the home team more effective than spectacular but still carrying enough attacking quality to make the difference.

Doku was again one of the most dangerous players on the pitch with his ability to take defenders on and break lines. The Belgian set up Foden for the opening goal in the 19th minute with a straightforward left-footed finish. The lead lasted only two minutes, as a costly Guéhi error allowed Maeda to beat a cold Donnarumma and equalise.

City kept the ball but struggled to find clear openings. Rúben Dias tried his luck twice from distance and was denied by goalkeeper Walton. The solution came through the game's defining factor: Haaland powered home a header from a superb Kovacic delivery from the right in the 34th minute.

Haaland secures the win on the counter and Ipswich push until the end

Ipswich refused to sit back and opted for an aggressive man-to-man press to force turnovers in dangerous areas. O'Neil's plan required heavy energy output, but his players stuck to it and created some problems, mainly from set pieces.

City managed the game with composure and with Haaland at his clinical best in open space. The Norwegian collected a pass from Ndiaye, got the better of Diop and fired in on the first touch to make it 3-1 in the 69th minute. It looked decisive, but the match still had drama left.

Haaland even had a potential hat-trick ruled out for an Enzo Fernández offside. Ipswich then earned a penalty after a VAR check, and Flemming converted in the 90th minute to set up a tense finish. During twelve minutes of stoppage time, City created several clear chances to extend their lead, but they did not need a fourth goal to secure the points.

What this win means for Manchester City and Haaland in the Premier League title race

The win over Ipswich keeps Manchester City top of the standings and strengthens their title challenge in a season marked by inconsistency and off-field noise around the financial proceedings. At the Etihad, a far more welcoming environment than their away trips, the team secured a victory that restores belief in Maresca's project.

Haaland's brace confirmed once again that the Norwegian forward remains the team's main scoring threat. With Foden back and Doku in improving form, City once again have the attacking weapons they need for the decisive part of the season.