Pep Guardiola suggested Manchester City are back after securing a 6-0 victory at Ipswich this afternoon.
City entered the competition on a five-match unbeaten run following dismal results before Christmas. But their level of performance was still well below the all-conquering form that took them to four successive Premier League titles.
That changed in Suffolk when the home side were blown away by a devastating display of attacking football. Phil Foden scored twice with Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and James McAtee all getting on the scoresheet, with all six goals moving City fourth in the table.
Today #StatWrap 📊
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-Manchester City (@ManCity) January 19, 2025
Really happy Pep
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “We’re really happy, we’re back doing things that have defined this team over the last 10 years. I’m really happy with the three points and to qualify for the Champions League next season, it will be so difficult.
When asked to judge his team’s performance, he added: “Much better. Maybe not our best but closer with the consistency we have in our game. Most of them haven’t happened in previous games that we’ve won.
“With the way we went without the ball, you can’t play in the short spaces. Everyone who had the ball was intelligent, faster and faster. Everyone is linked. You can’t be fast, wise and good if you’re not connected defensively.
“Ipswich beat Chelsea here, they won at Spurs away. They make a good team and Liam [Delap] is a fantastic striker. The players have seen what we are and that’s the best thing.
“We have to take advantage of it”
City have had a difficult season and they are all but out of the title race as they sit 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, with Guardiola stressing the need to have fun as they eye a strong end to the campaign.
He added: “They [the players] know the standards and know what they have done in the past. It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about enjoying it.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a professional or an amateur. You can be in the best theater in London or a theater in Sheffield and those in Sheffield will love it and come back with a smile.
Foden was named man of the match after his second consecutive brace following his two goals at Brentford in midweek.
He told the club’s website: “It’s good to see me back scoring goals, with a smile on my face and enjoying my football. I’ve had a few goals recently and I want to go ahead now and add to them.
“Everything seemed to change for me in front of goal. I think I was a bit unlucky before these goals which I scored with a few chances.
“If I can continue to get into the box with these players that we have, they will continue to find me. I’m excited to keep scoring.
