Maresca’s Manchester City make Premier League history with Ipswich win
Enzo Maresca set a new Premier League managerial record as Manchester City beat Ipswich Town 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium, making it seven wins from his first seven league matches in charge.
City’s flawless start leaves them top of the table on 21 points. They are also only the third side in the Premier League era to open a campaign with seven straight victories, after Chelsea in 2005-06 and Liverpool in 2019-20.
How City survived Ipswich scare
- Phil Foden gave City the early advantage, but Ipswich quickly hit back when Daizen Maeda held off Marc Guehi and finished beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
- Erling Haaland restored the home side’s lead before half-time with a typically decisive finish.
- Haaland struck again after the break, with Iliman Ndiaye providing the assist, to give City what looked like a commanding cushion.
- Zian Flemming converted a late penalty for Ipswich, setting up a tense conclusion.
- City saw out 12 minutes of added time to protect the 3-2 result and preserve Maresca’s perfect league record.
Statement start under Maresca
The Italian has taken over after Pep Guardiola’s departure and has rapidly eased concerns about City’s transition. His opening seven-match sequence has included a 1-0 derby win away to Manchester United and a 3-0 victory at Liverpool’s Anfield.
Maresca returned to City having previously worked on Guardiola’s staff during the club’s 2022-23 Treble campaign. His route back to the Etihad also included a spell in the Championship, his time as Leicester City manager and a short, difficult stay at Chelsea, which ended in early 2026.
His familiarity with City’s methods and players has helped maintain the club’s established possession-based, clinical style, while the squad have remained focused amid continuing questions over the club’s financial investigations.
Supporters booed the Premier League anthem before kick-off, but the team again delivered on the pitch. Maresca’s immediate task is now to extend the winning run after becoming the first coach to begin a Premier League job with seven consecutive victories at one club.
