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Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City defeated Ipswich Town 3-2, stretching their unbeaten run to seven games. The victory extends City's lead at the top of the Premier League…
Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City defeated Ipswich Town 3-2, stretching their unbeaten run to seven games. The victory extends City's lead at the top of the Premier League to six points.
Phil Foden broke the deadlock for City before Daizen Maeda levelled for Ipswich. Haaland then struck twice to secure all three points, though the visitors mounted a spirited late challenge.
The win marks a historic milestone for City. They've joined Chelsea and Liverpool as the only clubs to win their opening seven Premier League matches, with Chelsea achieving it in 2005/06 and Liverpool in 2019/20.
The match unfolded against a backdrop of controversy. City faces a Premier League verdict on alleged financial rule violations, and supporters registered their discontent by booing the league anthem and waving inflatable bananas—reviving a tradition from the club's past.
Despite the tension, City remained composed. Haaland's clinical finishing proved the difference in a tightly contested encounter.
Liverpool fought back to edge Brentford 2-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium in a match shaped by two red cards for the hosts. The Reds showed resilience to overturn an early deficit away from home.
Brentford struck first in the 44th minute when Keane Lewis-Potter headed in Igor Thiago's cross, beating goalkeeper Alisson Becker with a looping effort. The home side looked primed to hold their advantage.
That changed in first-half stoppage time when referee John Brooks sent off Yehor Yarmoliuk for a "headbutting action" against Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet. Brentford's task suddenly became steeper.
Liverpool capitalised on their numerical superiority after the restart. Victor Munoz levelled in the 62nd minute, cutting infield and finishing with his left foot following a pass from Florian Wirtz.
Alexander Isak put Liverpool ahead eight minutes later, converting clinically after Bradley Barcola flicked on Alexis Mac Allister's cross. The visitors had seized momentum completely.
Brentford's slim hopes evaporated in stoppage time when Vitaly Janelt received a second yellow for fouling Liverpool substitute Rio Ngumoha, leaving the hosts with just nine men on the pitch.
The contrasting results highlight how fine the margins are in this season's title race. City maintained their winning momentum while Liverpool demonstrated their ability to recover from difficult situations in away matches.