We left them hesitant and stammering after a frustrating draw against Brentford (2-2), but five days later, the Manchester City players clearly corrected their situation against Ipswich, during the 22nd day of the Premier League (6-0). Stuck in an unusual series of nondescript results for more than a month, Pep Guardiola’s men this time showed a calm face, three days before a crucial trip to the Parc des Princes to challenge PSG in the Champions League.
Double from Foden, 17th goal for Haaland
Arranged in 4-2-3-1 with Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gündogan in a double pivot position, the Mancunian team logically monopolized the ball against a poorly equipped opponent. Shortly before the half-hour mark, Phil Foden – already the author of a double at the start of the week – concluded a collective movement initiated by Jérémy Doku then assisted by Kevin De Bruyne (1-0, 27th). Three minutes later, a clear shot from Kovacic launched at the edge of the area found its way into the opposing net (2-0, 30th). Just before the break, the same Foden scored a second double in a row (3-0, 42nd), before Doku worsened the score by means of a raid on the left side, returning from the locker room (4- 0.49th). The Belgian, on his legs during the game, then took advantage of a poor recovery from Clarke to fix and transmit to Haaland. The Norwegian then soberly concluded from the right (5-0, 57th), scoring his 17th goal of the season in the Championship.
Accustomed to the bench, James McAtee (22) also participated in his team’s offensive festival (6-0, 68th). Manchester City is therefore in a better situation than that experienced in recent months. In terms of accounting, the Citizens moved up four places in the standings and returned to the Big Four of the Premier League. The reigning champions have not lost for six matches in all competitions. A bad result against PSG this Wednesday in the Champions League, however, would be enough to plunge the club back into crisis.
