Seven from seven, but not without a late scare
Erling Haaland's brace and an eye-catching Phil Foden comeback helped Manchester City preserve their 100 per cent Premier League record with a 3-2 win over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium.
Enzo Maresca's side have now won all seven of their league fixtures, though Zian Flemming's late penalty meant the closing minutes were far less comfortable than the scoreline might suggest.
Foden's return the standout note
Foden, back in the starting line-up, looked sharp and inventive throughout. He ghosted into the area to convert Jeremy Doku's cut-back and, on an afternoon of several encouraging individual displays, his performance was arguably the most significant development for City.
Doku himself created the opener and repeatedly troubled Ipswich with his direct running. Another midfielder produced a composed, unflustered display in possession, keeping City ticking over, while a defender forced Christian Walton into an early save with a powerful effort and looked the more assured of the centre-back pairing.
One wide player saw plenty of the ball down the right without making a telling contribution and was withdrawn after 76 minutes. Another got forward regularly but should have done better with a good headed chance after the break.
Haaland decisive, VAR intervenes
Haaland headed City back in front before using his strength and composure to score the third. He was denied a hat-trick by VAR.
His first goal came from clever work and delivery by a teammate who was excellent before injury forced him off early in the second half. Another player slid Haaland through for his second and later struck the crossbar.
Gianluigi Donnarumma had little chance with either Ipswich goal and was otherwise relatively untroubled. Maeda shrugged off his marker too easily for the equaliser. Guehi conceded the late penalty for catching Abdul Fatawu.
Late changes steady the ship
From the bench, one substitute replaced Kovacic and was denied one-on-one by Walton. Another was solid after coming on for O'Reilly. Abdukodir Khusanov, introduced for Nunes, helped City negotiate the closing stages, and a further change added fresh legs as the Blues sought to see out the victory. One late arrival had little time to make a significant impression.
City registered 19 attempts and an expected-goals figure of 3.53, yet Ipswich remained in the contest until the end. Haaland supplied the decisive goals, but the late penalty ensured a nervous finish.