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Futmetrix Verdict
96
FT
Sat, Oct 17
Manchester City
3-2
Ipswich
โšก Intensity 100
โš–๏ธ Balance 55
๐Ÿ† Stakes 39
๐ŸŽฒ Upset 0
Haaland brace overcomes resilient Ipswich side.

Win Probability

  • Manchester City 76%
  • Draw 14%
  • Ipswich 9%

Futmetrix AI estimate

Etihad Erupts in Five-Goal Classic

Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 96/100. A breathless thriller proved that even when Manchester City dominate the ball, a fearless opponent can still drag them into a spectacular firefight.

Rapid-Fire Responses

The Premier League leaders established an early rhythm, but the Balance of the contest shifted wildly during a blistering first-half spell. Phil Foden broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, finishing with style after Jeremy Doku carved open the visitors' defence. Yet, Ipswich refused to fold under the pressure. Barely two minutes later, Daizen Maeda stunned the Manchester City faithful, slotting home a rapid equaliser provided by Abdoul Ouattara. The away side's resilience tested the champions, turning what many expected to be a routine afternoon at Etihad Stadium into a heavyweight slugfest. A relentless barrage of 27 combined shots turned the pitch into a firing range, setting a chaotic tempo that demanded an immediate answer from the hosts' marquee forward.

The Norwegian's Routine Excellence

Cometh the hour, cometh Erling Haaland. The defining moment arrived in the 34th minute when Mateo Kovaฤiฤ‡ threaded a brilliant ball to restore City's advantage. The home side dominated possession with a suffocating 70 percent share, steadily draining the visitors' energy reserves while controlling the middle of the park. The Stakes were evident for City to maintain their perfect start to the campaign. By the 69th minute, Haaland struck again, this time combining seamlessly with Iliman Ndiaye to seemingly put the match to bed. His ruthless finishing underscored a massive individual contribution, showcasing exactly why he remains a perennial nightmare for defensive lines attempting to hold their ground.

Late Drama and VAR Turmoil

Just as the contest seemed settled, the Intensity hit a fever pitch in the dying embers of the match. Haaland thought he had secured a hat-trick in the 85th minute, only for VAR to intervene and cancel the celebrations. The drama quickly swung to the opposite end of the pitch. A controversial decision three minutes later saw a penalty confirmed for a desperate foul on Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. Substitute Zian Flemming stepped up in the 90th minute, converting from the spot to inject late fear into the champions. Despite the nervous stoppage-time scare, City held on to claim a vital 3-2 victory, keeping their unblemished record intact and underlining their relentless title charge.

Key Questions

How did VAR change this match?

VAR cancelled an 85th-minute Erling Haaland goal and confirmed an 88th-minute penalty for Ipswich, setting up a chaotic and nerve-wracking finale at the Etihad.

What made E. Haaland the Man of the Match?

The Norwegian striker netted a crucial brace, scoring in the 34th and 69th minutes to ensure his team maintained their perfect winning streak.

What caused the 5-goal thriller?

A combined 27 shots and rapid momentum swings created relentless pressure, while lethal finishing from both sides turned minor defensive lapses into a spectacular shootout.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
70%
30%
Manchester City 70%
Ipswich 30%
Shots
19
8
Manchester City 19
Ipswich 8
Shots on Target
6
3
Manchester City 6
Ipswich 3
Expected Goals (xG)
3.57
1.72
Manchester City 3.57
Ipswich 1.72
Passes
740
314
Manchester City 740
Ipswich 314
Corners
2
3
Manchester City 2
Ipswich 3
Fouls
8
16
Manchester City 8
Ipswich 16
Yellow Cards
1
1
Manchester City 1
Ipswich 1
Red Cards
0
0
Manchester City 0
Ipswich 0

Match Events

19' โšฝ Phil Foden (Jeremy Doku)
Daizen Maeda (Abdoul Ouattara) โšฝ 21'
34' โšฝ Erling Haaland (Mateo Kovaฤiฤ‡)
HT
50' ๐Ÿ”„ โ†“ Mateo Kovaฤiฤ‡ โ†‘Enzo Fernรกndez
61' ๐Ÿ”„ โ†“ Nico O'Reilly โ†‘Josko Gvardiol
69' โšฝ Erling Haaland (Iliman Ndiaye)
โ†“ Florentino Luรญs โ†‘Azor Matusiwa ๐Ÿ”„ 71'
โ†“ Daizen Maeda โ†‘Abdul Fatawu Issahaku ๐Ÿ”„ 71'
Abdoul Ouattara ๐ŸŸจ 73'
76' ๐Ÿ”„ โ†“ Matheus Nunes โ†‘Abdukodir Khusanov
77' ๐Ÿ”„ โ†“ Jeremy Doku โ†‘Antoine Semenyo
77' ๐Ÿ”„ โ†“ Phil Foden โ†‘Elliot Anderson
โ†“ Julio Enciso โ†‘Chuba Akpom ๐Ÿ”„ 78'
โ†“ Emersonn โ†‘Zian Flemming ๐Ÿ”„ 78'
85' โ€ข Erling Haaland
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku โ€ข 88'
Zian Flemming โšฝ 90'
โ†“ Jacob Greaves โ†‘Jack Clarke ๐Ÿ”„ 90'+1
90'+7 ๐ŸŸจ Josko Gvardiol
Leif Davis ๐ŸŸจ 90'+12
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

Manchester City

Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Donnarumma
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Matheus Nunes
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
62%
Duel Win %
Rรบben Dias
MAGNET
MAGNET
135
Activity
135
Activity
124
Passes
11
Duels
Marc Guรฉhi
MAGNET
MAGNET
122
Activity
122
Activity
114
Passes
8
Duels
Nico O'Reilly
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Midfielders
Mateo Kovacic
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
1
Assists
45%
Pass Acc
Ayyoub Bouaddi
MAGNET
MAGNET
83
Activity
83
Activity
71
Passes
12
Duels
Iliman Ndiaye
MAGNET
MAGNET
69
Activity
69
Activity
55
Passes
14
Duels
Phil Foden
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
45%
Pass Acc
Jรฉrรฉmy Doku
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Forwards
Erling Haaland
HITMAN
HITMAN
2
Goals
2
Goals
2
On Target
9.8
Rating
BENCH
Gerรณnimo Rulli
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Rayan Aรฏt-Nouri
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Joลกko Gvardiol
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
29
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Abduqodir Khusanov
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Enzo Fernรกndez
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Rayan Cherki
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Elliot Anderson
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
3
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Antoine Semenyo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Allan
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Ipswich

Goalkeepers
Christian Walton
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
1
Key Passes
1
Key Passes
0
Assists
18%
Pass Acc
Defenders
Dara O'Shea
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
5
Tackles
78%
Duel Win %
Issa Diop
SWEEPER
SWEEPER
4
Cleanups
4
Cleanups
4
Interceptions
0
Blocks
Jacob Greaves
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
62%
Duel Win %
Leif Davis
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
Florentino Luรญs
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
71
Total Mins
71
Entry
Exequiel Palacios
MAGNET
MAGNET
68
Activity
68
Activity
59
Passes
9
Duels
Abdoul Ouattara
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
6.8
Rating
Julio Enciso
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
12
Late Mins
12
Late Mins
78
Total Mins
78
Entry
Daizen Maeda
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Forwards
Emersonn
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
12
Late Mins
12
Late Mins
78
Total Mins
78
Entry
BENCH
Kjell Scherpen
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Darnell Furlong
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Cedric Kipre
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Azor Matusiwa
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
19
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Abdul Fatawu
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
19
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jaden Philogene
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jack Clarke
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Chuba Akpom
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
12
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Zian Flemming
CLUTCH HERO
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Penalty
Impact
7.7
Rating

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
01/19/2025 Ipswich 0 - 6 Manchester City Premier League Portman Road
08/24/2024 Manchester City 4 - 1 Ipswich Premier League Etihad Stadium
01/19/2025
Premier League Portman Road
08/24/2024
Premier League Etihad Stadium
Manchester City Win
Ipswich Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Manchester City 7 21 19 7 +12 WManchester City 3 - 2 Ipswich (17-10-2026)WLiverpool 0 - 3 Manchester City (11-10-2026)WManchester City 5 - 3 Sunderland (20-09-2026)WManchester United 0 - 1 Manchester City (13-09-2026)WManchester City 1 - 0 Coventry (05-09-2026)
2 Arsenal 7 18 11 5 +6 WNottingham Forest 0 - 1 Arsenal (18-10-2026)WArsenal 2 - 1 Leeds (10-10-2026)LBrighton 3 - 0 Arsenal (19-09-2026)WSunderland 0 - 2 Arsenal (12-09-2026)WArsenal 2 - 1 Chelsea (06-09-2026)
3 Brighton 7 16 23 5 +18 WBrighton 5 - 0 Crystal Palace (18-10-2026)WSunderland 0 - 2 Brighton (10-10-2026)WBrighton 3 - 0 Arsenal (19-09-2026)WCoventry 0 - 5 Brighton (13-09-2026)DBrighton 1 - 1 Leeds (05-09-2026)
4 Chelsea 7 13 17 13 +4 WEverton 0 - 2 Chelsea (17-10-2026)WChelsea 5 - 1 Bournemouth (10-10-2026)LBrentford 3 - 0 Chelsea (18-09-2026)DChelsea 2 - 2 Hull City (12-09-2026)LArsenal 2 - 1 Chelsea (06-09-2026)
5 Liverpool 7 12 9 8 +1 WBrentford 1 - 2 Liverpool (17-10-2026)LLiverpool 0 - 3 Manchester City (11-10-2026)WBournemouth 0 - 1 Liverpool (20-09-2026)DLiverpool 0 - 0 Fulham (12-09-2026)WIpswich 0 - 2 Liverpool (04-09-2026)
6 Brentford 7 10 13 8 +5 LBrentford 1 - 2 Liverpool (17-10-2026)DAston Villa 2 - 2 Brentford (10-10-2026)WBrentford 3 - 0 Chelsea (18-09-2026)DBournemouth 2 - 2 Brentford (12-09-2026)DBrentford 1 - 1 Sunderland (05-09-2026)
7 Leeds 7 10 9 6 +3 DLeeds 1 - 1 Manchester United (18-10-2026)LArsenal 2 - 1 Leeds (10-10-2026)DLeeds 0 - 0 Crystal Palace (20-09-2026)WLeeds 4 - 1 Newcastle (14-09-2026)DBrighton 1 - 1 Leeds (05-09-2026)
8 Everton 7 10 8 7 +1 LEverton 0 - 2 Chelsea (17-10-2026)DHull City 2 - 2 Everton (11-10-2026)WEverton 1 - 0 Ipswich (19-09-2026)DTottenham 0 - 0 Everton (12-09-2026)DEverton 2 - 2 Manchester United (06-09-2026)
9 Hull City 7 9 8 7 +1 LFulham 1 - 0 Hull City (17-10-2026)DHull City 2 - 2 Everton (11-10-2026)LNewcastle 2 - 1 Hull City (19-09-2026)DChelsea 2 - 2 Hull City (12-09-2026)DHull City 0 - 0 Aston Villa (05-09-2026)
10 Ipswich 7 9 11 15 -4 LManchester City 3 - 2 Ipswich (17-10-2026)WIpswich 2 - 1 Fulham (10-10-2026)LEverton 1 - 0 Ipswich (19-09-2026)WCrystal Palace 2 - 3 Ipswich (12-09-2026)LIpswich 0 - 2 Liverpool (04-09-2026)
11 Newcastle 7 8 10 14 -4 LNewcastle 0 - 1 Aston Villa (17-10-2026)LCoventry 4 - 1 Newcastle (12-10-2026)WNewcastle 2 - 1 Hull City (19-09-2026)LLeeds 4 - 1 Newcastle (14-09-2026)DNewcastle 2 - 2 Bournemouth (05-09-2026)
12 Aston Villa 7 8 7 11 -4 WNewcastle 0 - 1 Aston Villa (17-10-2026)DAston Villa 2 - 2 Brentford (10-10-2026)WTottenham 2 - 3 Aston Villa (19-09-2026)LAston Villa 1 - 2 Nottingham Forest (12-09-2026)DHull City 0 - 0 Aston Villa (05-09-2026)
13 Manchester United 7 7 10 10 0 DLeeds 1 - 1 Manchester United (18-10-2026)DManchester United 1 - 1 Tottenham (10-10-2026)DFulham 1 - 1 Manchester United (20-09-2026)LManchester United 0 - 1 Manchester City (13-09-2026)DEverton 2 - 2 Manchester United (06-09-2026)
14 Crystal Palace 7 7 9 17 -8 LBrighton 5 - 0 Crystal Palace (18-10-2026)WCrystal Palace 3 - 1 Nottingham Forest (11-10-2026)DLeeds 0 - 0 Crystal Palace (20-09-2026)LCrystal Palace 2 - 3 Ipswich (12-09-2026)WFulham 2 - 3 Crystal Palace (05-09-2026)
15 Bournemouth 7 6 9 13 -4 WBournemouth 2 - 0 Sunderland (18-10-2026)LChelsea 5 - 1 Bournemouth (10-10-2026)LBournemouth 0 - 1 Liverpool (20-09-2026)DBournemouth 2 - 2 Brentford (12-09-2026)DNewcastle 2 - 2 Bournemouth (05-09-2026)
16 Tottenham 7 6 6 10 -4 WTottenham 3 - 1 Coventry (19-10-2026)DManchester United 1 - 1 Tottenham (10-10-2026)LTottenham 2 - 3 Aston Villa (19-09-2026)DTottenham 0 - 0 Everton (12-09-2026)DNottingham Forest 0 - 0 Tottenham (05-09-2026)
17 Coventry 7 6 6 14 -8 LTottenham 3 - 1 Coventry (19-10-2026)WCoventry 4 - 1 Newcastle (12-10-2026)WNottingham Forest 0 - 1 Coventry (19-09-2026)LCoventry 0 - 5 Brighton (13-09-2026)LManchester City 1 - 0 Coventry (05-09-2026)
18 Fulham 7 5 7 10 -3 WFulham 1 - 0 Hull City (17-10-2026)LIpswich 2 - 1 Fulham (10-10-2026)DFulham 1 - 1 Manchester United (20-09-2026)DLiverpool 0 - 0 Fulham (12-09-2026)LFulham 2 - 3 Crystal Palace (05-09-2026)
19 Nottingham Forest 7 5 5 9 -4 LNottingham Forest 0 - 1 Arsenal (18-10-2026)LCrystal Palace 3 - 1 Nottingham Forest (11-10-2026)LNottingham Forest 0 - 1 Coventry (19-09-2026)WAston Villa 1 - 2 Nottingham Forest (12-09-2026)DNottingham Forest 0 - 0 Tottenham (05-09-2026)
20 Sunderland 7 4 6 14 -8 LBournemouth 2 - 0 Sunderland (18-10-2026)LSunderland 0 - 2 Brighton (10-10-2026)LManchester City 5 - 3 Sunderland (20-09-2026)LSunderland 0 - 2 Arsenal (12-09-2026)DBrentford 1 - 1 Sunderland (05-09-2026)

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