City created a lead without removing the danger
Foden gave the home side an early attacking reference, and Haaland’s movement repeatedly pulled the centre-backs towards their own six-yard box. City found three goals, but Ipswich refused to remain in a low block and kept enough players forward to punish poor rest defence.
That is why the match stayed alive. City controlled most possessions, yet two Ipswich goals meant every loose pass carried a consequence. The champions could not treat the final half-hour as a training exercise, even after Haaland’s second finish restored their advantage.
Haaland nearly completed the hat-trick
The striker scored in both halves and appeared to add a third late in the game. The effort was ruled out for offside, leaving the score at 3-2. His impact was still broader than the two goals: Ipswich narrowed around him and gave City’s attacking midfielders more room at the edge of the area.
Ipswich deserve credit for making City defend the result. Their direct attacks were not hopeful clearances; runners supported the first forward pass and forced the home midfield to turn. A point was beyond them, but the performance showed that an away side can challenge City if it attacks the transition decisively.
Seven wins measure consistency, not perfection
Maresca’s record start reflects a team capable of solving different matches. This one was not a defensive model. City conceded twice and left openings that stronger opponents may punish more severely, but they retained enough control to create the decisive third goal and manage the closing minutes.
The next improvement is obvious: possession must leave the side better protected when it breaks down. Ipswich can take encouragement from the chances, while City keep first place and a perfect league record without pretending the narrow score contained no warning.