Man City player ratings vs Ipswich Town: Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic run riot as Tractor Boys hit for six in perfect PSG preparation

Pep Guardiola’s team outperformed their relegation-threatened hosts at Portman Road. Manchester City sent a warning message to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of their key Champions League clash in midweek, as the Premier League champions thrashed Ipswich Town 6-0 on Sunday to move into the top four. The hosts started well, but City quickly gained control, with Erling Haaland wasting a chance to open the scoring after being set up by Mateo Kovacic. However, Ipswich received some comfort when Phil Foden broke the deadlock from close range after Kevin De Bruyne’s ball bounced into his path.

City never looked back, leading 3-0 at halftime when Kovacic hammered into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area, before Foden made it five goals in his previous three league games with his second clean finish of the afternoon. Any dreams of a dramatic Ipswich comeback were dashed four minutes into the second period when Jeremy Doku’s curling effort deflected in off Dara O’Shea, before Haaland, fresh from signing a new 10-year contract with City, scored his 17th league goal of the season after being sent in by Doku.

• 

Keeper and Defence Ederson (6/10): When he returned to the lineup, he had to be cautious on a few instances. However, he remained a spectator for long periods of time. Mathias Nunes (6/10): Had a few difficult moments early on, but soon relaxed as he gained confidence in his new role. Manuel Akanji (6/10): Solid in the back, albeit he rarely extended. Ruben Dias 7/10: What a relief to have him back! Made a couple of vital interventions early on to keep Ipswich from taking the lead, and remained strong throughout. Josko Gvardiol(7/10): Doesn’t always convince defensively, but more than compensates with what he brings in possession. Helped drive the hosts back down City’s left flank.

• Attack Phil Foden (9/10): After scoring his second brace in six days, he appears to have returned to form. Still not at last season’s heights, but confidence has certainly returned. Erling Haaland (6/10): Should have beaten Walton to open the scoring early on, but instead scored to celebrate his new deal just before being replaced. Jeremy Doku (9/10): The Belgian’s quickness and direct dribbling simply overwhelmed Ipswich. After playing an important role in each of the first three goals, he earned a well-deserved goal and an assist in the second half.AFP

• Subs & Manager Jack Grealish (5/10): Despite being given just under 30 minutes off the bench, I struggled to come up with much. Divin Mubama (6/10): After taking Haaland out of the game, it was difficult to make an impact. James McAtee (7/10): With a well-timed run and header, he scored again, bringing his total to six. Rico Lewis (6/10): I kept things moving in midfield for the final 20 minutes. Nico O’Reilly (6/10): Given a run out as City surged into the final stages. Pep Guardiola (8 out of 10): Despite Savinho’s strong form, the decision to return Doku paid off, as his team appeared much more stable with Dias back in the lineup.. Will be pleased to have given so many big names a rest through the closing stages ahead of the PSG clash.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk