Pep Guardiola's side proved far too good for their relegation-threatened hosts at Portman Road in a dominant display
Manchester City fired Paris Saint-Germain a warning shot ahead of their key Champions League clash in midweek as the Premier League champions ran riot at Ipswich Town, recording a 6-0 win on Sunday that lifts them into the top four.
The hosts enjoyed a bright start, but City soon began to assert some control, though Erling Haaland wasted the chance to open the scoring when he fired straight at Christian Walton after being sent clear by Mateo Kovacic. However, that proved a brief respite for Ipswich, as Phil Foden broke the deadlock from close-range after Kevin De Bruyne's cross deflected into his path.
City never looked back from there, and were 3-0 up by half-time as Kovacic fired into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area before Foden made it five goals in his last three league games with his second straightforward finish of the afternoon.
Any hopes of a dramatic Ipswich fightback were extinguished four minutes into the second period as Jeremy Doku's curled effort deflected in off Dara O'Shea before Haaland, fresh off signing his new 10-year contract with City, netted his 17th league goal of the campaign after being played in by Doku.
Pep Guardiola was able to rest a number of his star players for the final quarter of the match such was their dominance, and one of his substitutes, James McAtee, wasted little time in making an impact as he headed home the sixth on what was one of City's most comfortable top-flight outings for months.
GOAL rates City's players from Portman Road…
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Ederson (6/10):
Had to be sure-handed on a couple of occasions on his return to the line-up. A spectator for long periods, though.
Matheus Nunes (6/10):
Had a couple of hairy moments early on but eventually settled as he grows in confidence in his new role.
Manuel Akanji (6/10):
Solid at the back, though he was rarely stretched.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
What a relief to have him back! Made a couple of key interventions early on to prevent Ipswich from taking the lead, and exuded strength throughout.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
Doesn't always convince defensively but more than makes up for it with what he offers in possession. Helped force the hosts back down City's left his marauding runs.
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Mateo Kovacic (9/10):
Given far too much room in midfield and dictated things with ease as a result. Should have had an early assist when Haaland was denied, but got a goal himself with a fine arrowed finish before delivering the dinked ball over the top for McAtee's header.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):
Got himself between the lines to knit things together for the visitors. Won't grab headlines, but quietly effective.
Kevin De Bruyne (9/10):
Full of energy as his inter-play with Doku was devastating down the City left. Managed to grab himself three assists before being given a rest around the hour mark.
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Phil Foden (9/10):
Looks back to something like his best after scoring his second brace in the space of six days. Still not at the levels of last season, but the confidence is clearly returning.
Erling Haaland (6/10):
Should have beaten Walton to open the scoring early on, but eventually got a goal to celebrate his new contract shortly before being replaced.
Jeremy Doku (9/10):
Ipswich just could not deal with the speed and direct dribbling of the Belgian. Got a deserved goal and assist in the second half after playing a key role in each of the opening three strikes.
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Jack Grealish (5/10):
Couldn't conjure much despite being given just under 30 minutes off the bench.
Divin Mubama (6/10):
Struggled to make an impact on the game after giving Haaland a rest.
James McAtee (7/10):
Got himself on the scoresheet again with a well-timed run and header to make it six.
Rico Lewis (6/10):
Kept things ticking in midfield for the final 20 minutes.
Nico O'Reilly (6/10):
Given a run out as City cruised through the closing stages.
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
Decision to restore Doku despite Savinho's fine form paid dividends, and his side looked much more solid with Dias back in the line-up. Will be pleased to have given so many big names a rest through the closing stages ahead of the PSG clash.
