Erling Haaland continued his prolific scoring run as Manchester City beat Ipswich Town 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, October 17, extending their perfect start to the Premier League season to seven consecutive victories.
Haaland scored twice to take his tally to eight league goals, while Phil Foden also found the net as City maintained their position at the top of the table. The result made manager Enzo Maresca the first manager to win his opening seven Premier League matches in charge of a club.
The match unfolded against the backdrop of a major financial controversy involving City. An independent commission had found the club guilty of extensive financial misconduct relating to its financial reporting over several years. City continues to contest the findings and has appealed the decision.
Rather than dampen the atmosphere, the controversy appeared to strengthen the defiant mood among sections of the home support, with hundreds of fans waving inflatable bananas in the stands.
Inflatable Bananas Make a Comeback
The unusual display revived a Manchester City fan tradition dating back to the late 1980s, when supporters brought inflatable bananas to matches as a light-hearted way to lift spirits during a difficult period for the club.
The tradition is believed to have been associated with former City striker Imre Varadi, whose nickname was “Imre Banana”. Fans adopted the inflatable fruit as a humorous symbol, and it became part of the club’s matchday culture.
Nearly four decades later, the bananas have returned as supporters respond to the club’s current troubles with humour and solidarity.
City manager Enzo Maresca welcomed the gesture, saying the displays helped create a positive atmosphere at the stadium. He also revealed that his children had joined in the craze and wanted to bring inflatable bananas to matches.
Foden, who scored the opening goal against Ipswich, was also seen holding an inflatable banana during post-match interviews.
City Hold Off Late Ipswich Fightback
City took the lead through Foden in the 19th minute, but Ipswich quickly responded through Daizen Maeda to level the score at 1-1.
Haaland restored City’s advantage in the 34th minute before adding his second goal in the 69th minute, putting the hosts 3-1 ahead.
Ipswich earned a late penalty, converted by Zian Flemming in stoppage time, to set up a tense finish. City nevertheless held on to secure all three points.
The victory gave City a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal ahead of the latter’s match against Nottingham Forest.
However, there was some concern after Haaland and second-half substitute Antoine Semenyo were seen limping as they left the pitch. The extent of their discomfort was not immediately clear.
With seven consecutive league victories, City have matched a club record for the best start to a league campaign. Their results have remained strong despite the uncertainty surrounding the financial case, while the appeal means the wider dispute is not yet resolved.
