A performance to behold and a match: Manchester City finally thrashed Ipswich Town away 6-0 during the 22nd round in the Premier League.
That indeed had a touch of genius, but simultaneously appeared as an implication that Pep Guardiola’s squad was reacquiring pace after the harrowing close to the year.
Conceding nine losses in 12 games was a lot to be concerned about for the fans, but a six-game unbeaten streak brought a breath of fresh air once again to the Etihad Stadium.
The protagonists of a blue symphony
Phil Foden was the game’s maestro: two goals and an assist encapsulated a team rediscovering its ease and confidence on the pitch.
The link with Kevin De Bruyne was there for all to see in the first half as he finished a deflected cross from the midfielder in the 27th minute.
Soon after, he was delivering a pinpoint assist for Kovacic to make it two.
Jeremy Doku, meanwhile, brought dynamism and creativity to the attack. The young Belgian not only scored but also had a hand in two other goals, making it clear why Guardiola’s faith in him keeps growing.
As the coach noted, “Jeremy always has doubts about his consistency every three days because of simple injuries like that. […] He was brilliant, and I’m very happy for him.”
Manchester City’s comeback
The rout also brought to the fore the team’s combined effort to get back into rhythm. With De Bruyne back to his brilliant best, Kovacic controlling the midfield, and Haaland doing what he does best-find the back of the net-City showed a renewed sense of harmony.
As Guardiola underlined, “Kevin wasn’t there last season, maybe not this season either, but now he’s playing at the level we know he’s an exceptional player.
Of the most importance too was the return of key players like Ruben Dias and, maybe, the resurgence in form from a player like Phil Foden.
This led to effusive praise from the manager: “When he [Foden] smiles every day, every game is two or three goals.”
Offensive efficiency and defensive solidity
This has been a dominant run by Manchester City in the Premier League, having won 21 of their last 22 matches against newly promoted sides.
Saturday’s 6-0 win was the biggest this season and matched the club’s all-time record away win in the competition, which was also recorded in 2017 against Watford.
Guardiola underlined that the team was determined, “We were faster, quicker and wiser with the decisions we made.”
And all defensive consistency also played a very important role-so that Ipswich did not find any opportunities for a response or comeback.
Gearing up to greater challenges
Despite the enthusiasm for the blowout win, Guardiola now looks to the next task: a Champions League matchup against Paris Saint-Germain.
He added, “The most important thing is the result, for obvious reasons, but also the fact that they understand what we were. [.] I hope the players feel that.”
With confidence restored, the team is hoping to keep the good form going across competitions.
Their goal difference now stands at +15, reflecting their resurgence, but the tight nature of the Premier League means one slip could have serious consequences.
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