Tractor boys

The Tractor Boys: Erling Haaland once again stole the show at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City cruised to a 4-1 victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys, back in the Premier League after a 22-year absence, had a glimmer of hope early on, but quickly learned just how harsh life can be in the topflight.

It was a dream start for Ipswich, who stunned the reigning champions when Sammie Szmodics, making his full debut, found the back of the net just seven minutes in. A quick break caught City off guard, and Szmodics kept his composure to slot the ball between Ederson’s legs, sending the travelling fans into raptures. For a moment, it felt like the magic of the Premier League had truly returned to the Suffolk club.

But Manchester City’s response was as ruthless as it was swift. Within the space of four minutes, Pep Guardiola’s men turned the game on its head. Haaland calmly converted a penalty after a VAR review overturned the original decision to book Savinho for simulation.