Erling Haaland fires hat-trick as Man City dismiss Ipswich

Imperious Erling Haaland struck a hat-trick in Manchester City's 4-1 comeback win against promoted Ipswich as fan favourite Ilkay Gundogan enjoyed a victorious return.

Few expected anything other than a comprehensive win for Pep Guardiola’s Premier League juggernauts, but new signing Sammie Szmodics sent the away fans wild on their first ever trip to the Etihad Stadium.

But Ipswich’s first top-flight goal in 8,158 days merely lit a fire under the reigning champions, with Haaland scoring goals either side of a Kevin De Bruyne strike.

City’s three goals came by the 16th minute – and within 193 seconds of each other – as ex-City goalkeeper Aro Muric made two costly errors after conceding from the penalty spot on his Town debut.

The Norway international went on to complete his 10th hat-trick in sky blue late in a second half that saw Gundogan receive a hero’s welcome.

The treble-winning captain completed his return to the club on Friday following a year at Barcelona and was given a fantastic reception before and after coming on for his second debut.

It was a fine end to a day that began with a gut punch for City, who emerged past their Premier League, Club World Cup and Community Shield trophies as they celebrated a fourth straight league crown.

But Ipswich were undaunted by the task awaiting them, epitomised by Omari Hutchinson’s driving run after Sam Morsy stopped a City attack.

The 20-year-old eventually played the ball inside to Ben Johnson, who brilliantly slipped in Szmodics to send a shot squirming through Ederson’s legs and rolling over the line.

It was a shock seventh-minute opener followed by a relentless City response.

Leif Davis appeared to have got away with a challenge on Savinho, but VAR David Coote sent referee Sam