EPL: Man City beat Ipswich, Liverpool survive Brentford scare

Erling Haaland bagged a brace as Manchester City edged Ipswich Town 3-2 to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season, while Liverpool fought back to a 2-1 victory over Brentford.

City extended their winning run to seven matches, the first time in the club’s Premier League history, and moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Phil Foden opened the scoring for the Citizens before Daizen Maeda equalised for Ipswich. Haaland then netted a brace to ensure Man City took all three points despite a late fightback from the visitors.

Read Also: Iwobi’s goal seals Fulham’s first Premier League win

The result also saw Manchester City join Chelsea, who achieved the feat in 2005/06, and Liverpool, who did so in 2019/20, as the only clubs to win their opening seven games of a Premier League season.

The victory came amid uncertainty surrounding the club following a verdict in its Premier League financial rules violations. Fans booed the Premier League anthem before kick-off and waved inflatable bananas, reviving a tradition associated with the club in the 1980s.

City, however, maintained their focus, with Haaland’s finishing proving decisive in a closely contested encounter.

Liverpool rally to beat nine-man Brentford

Liverpool had to work harder for their points, coming from behind to defeat Brentford 2-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium after a match marked by two home-team dismissals.

Brentford took the lead in the 44th minute when Keane Lewis-Potter met Igor Thiago’s cross with a looping header that beat Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The hosts appeared well placed to protect their advantage, but their task became more difficult in first-half stoppage time when Yehor Yarmoliuk was sent off for what referee John Brooks described as a “headbutting action” against Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet.

Liverpool made their numerical advantage count after the break. Victor Munoz restored parity in the 62nd minute, cutting inside before finishing with his left foot after being released by Florian Wirtz’s pass.

Alexander Isak then put Liverpool ahead eight minutes later, finishing clinically after Bradley Barcola headed down Alexis Mac Allister’s cross.

Brentford’s hopes of salvaging a point faded further in stoppage time when Vitaly Janelt received a second yellow card for a foul on Liverpool substitute Rio Ngumoha, leaving the hosts with nine men.

The two results underlined the fine margins of the title race, with City maintaining their winning momentum and Liverpool demonstrating their ability to recover from difficult situations away from home.