Foden waves inflatable banana after Man City beat Ipswich amid 114-rule verdict
Manchester City extended their perfect domestic start with a 3-2 win over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium, a result that ensured Enzo Maresca’s side would remain top of the Premier League at the end of the weekend.
The match was City’s first home league fixture since the club were found to have breached 114 Premier League financial regulations covering the period from 2009 to 2018. City deny wrongdoing and have lodged a formal appeal, but the players delivered a seventh successive league victory under their new manager.
That sequence is the strongest opening run ever recorded by a manager newly appointed to a Premier League club. Maresca’s team had to work for the points, however, after Ipswich produced a late push to unsettle the home side.
Haaland double decides Etihad contest
Phil Foden made the breakthrough in the opening half, only for Daizen Maeda to level promptly for Ipswich. Erling Haaland then scored twice to establish a decisive City advantage before Zian Flemming converted a penalty in the 90th minute.
Flemming’s spot-kick reduced the deficit to one goal and created a nervous conclusion, but City saw out the closing stages to preserve their 100 per cent domestic record.
Foden says squad remain focused
Foden completed his post-match media commitments while carrying an inflatable banana, a supporters’ prop that has become associated with defiance during the club’s legal dispute. The midfielder said the situation away from the pitch had not altered the group’s approach.
“It has not affected us at all,” Foden said. “We have stayed together, approached each match individually and continued to be ourselves. We have handled that well.”
He pointed to the personalities within the dressing room as a key factor, adding that the players’ focus remained on performing for supporters. Asked about the inflatable banana, Foden said he intended to give one to his son as a present.
The Premier League charges were first announced in February 2023 and have continued to hang over City’s recent successes. The club’s appeal process is now under way, while Maresca’s team continue their campaign on multiple fronts.
European tie follows before Villa trip
City’s next assignment is a Champions League meeting with AEK Athens. They will then return to Premier League action away to Aston Villa.
A demanding October programme concludes with two matches against Brighton. City are scheduled to meet the Seagulls in the FA Cup fourth round before facing them again in the league.
