Ipswich Town arrived in Manchester having won half of their opening six games in an encouraging start to their top-flight return.

Crucially, in the context of their bid to survive, those victories have come against teams they would expect to be in the bottom half of the league this season.

Although Gary O'Neil's side left empty-handed, this determined, collective effort ensured their momentum was not significantly damaged following a win against Fulham and before key meetings with Nottingham Forest and Hull City.

Town refused to wilt under sustained periods of pressure and a gritty second-half display ensured they remained in the match.

While City peppered Christian Walton's goal with 19 attempts, big second-half chances for Emersonn and Zian Flemming, and a series of marginal offside calls that enraged O'Neil, meant Ipswich kept City on edge until the final whistle on 103 minutes.