Enzo Maresca made Premier League history with his seventh consecutive victory, the best start for a new manager in the competition, as Manchester City moved six points clear at the top of the table. The Italian, who took over from Pep Guardiola, has shown no hesitation in making bold decisions, from his outspoken defiance after the club's guilty verdicts to half-time substitutions and attacking tactics.
Having said on Friday that Phil Foden would score against Ipswich and that five of his most-used players needed a rest, Maresca followed through at the Etihad. Foden was one of six changes from midweek, including an entirely new midfield trio, and scored the opening goal.
Record win and fan defiance
The goal delighted the home crowd, who had brought thousands of bananas into the ground. Club executives embraced an idea from the away end at Anfield last week, leaving free inflatables around the stadium. Some fans tried to shame City supporters for their defiance at Liverpool, but they responded by singing for owner Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and telling Ipswich fans they would be 'going down with the City'.
Erling Haaland scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season in all competitions, netting in his sixth consecutive league game, which proved to be the winner. Daizen Maeda had equalised for Ipswich after outmuscling Marc Guehi, exposing City's defensive frailties. City have conceded seven league goals, with five coming within five minutes of scoring themselves.
Injury concerns ahead of Champions League
Guehi had a difficult afternoon, gifting Ipswich a late chance with a careless tackle in his own penalty area. Haaland laughed when the fourth official signalled 12 minutes of added time, but City held on to maintain their perfect start.
With a six-point lead over Arsenal, nine over Liverpool and 15 over United, Maresca could not have asked for a better start, apart from the guilty verdict that threatens to overshadow it. However, as the full-time whistle blew, there were more immediate concerns. Haaland limped off after a crunching tackle in injury time, and Antoine Semenyo was also hobbling. With Kovacic and Nunes having gone off with knocks, four players could be doubtful for Tuesday's Champions League game against AEK.
