Town fell to their joint-heaviest home defeat as they were thrashed 6-0 by Manchester City at Portman Road. The Blues played well for the first half hour but once Phil Foden, on 27, Mateo Kovacic, three minutes later, and then Foden again in the 42nd minute had given the visitors a three-goal half-time lead, it was one-way traffic in the second period with Jeremy Doku, 49, Erling Haaland, 57, and James McAtee, 69, completing the scoring to inflict Town’s biggest home loss since Liverpool won by the same scoreline in February 2002.

The Blues made five changes from the team which lost 2-0 to Brighton on Thursday with Ben Godfrey handed his league debut and skipper Sam Morsy, Cameron Burgess, Ben Johnson and Jack Clarke returning to the team.

Godfrey took over from Luke Woolfenden, who was left out of the 20-man party, but lined up to the right of Dara O’Shea, who was in the centre alongside Burgess, who came in for Jacob Greaves, who was also absent from the squad.

Johnson was wide on the right with Wes Burns on the bench and Leif Davis on the left with Christian Walton continuing in goal.

Morsy replaced Kalvin Phillips, who was ineligible against his parent club, alongside Jens Cajuste in midfield.

Clarke came in for Nathan Broadhead, who was among the subs, alongside Omari Hutchinson behind number nine Liam Delap.

Jaden Philogene was on the bench having signed from Aston Villa in midweek, as was Axel Tuanzebe after returning from his hamstring injury.

City made four changes from the 2-2 draw with Brentford in midweek with Ederson, Ruben Dias, Ilkay Gundogan and Jeremy Doku coming in for Stefan Ortega, Nathan Ake, who has a knock, Bernardo Silva and Savinho.

Town began the game well and won a corner in the third minute, Matheus Nunes nodding beyond his keeper and out of play. From the flag-kick, Burgess rose highest but his header looped for another corner off Dias.

City began to see most of the ball but in the eighth minute Johnson won the ball not far outside the Town area, before Clarke burst away into the City half and fed Delap to his right. The former City frontman cut inside Dias and hit a shot which was blocked. The Blues picked up the ball again but were unable to get in another effort.

The visitors should have gone in front on the quarter hour from the game’s first serious chance. Kovacic threaded a superb ball through for Erling Haaland to chase into the box behind O’Shea but the Norwegian, who signed a new 10-year contract this week, shot too close to Walton, who saved with his left hand.

The resultant corner came to nothing but the Blues were subsequently unable to play their way out from the back and an effort from Foden from the right of the area was blocked before Kovacic shot deep into the North Stand from the edge of box.

On 20, Foden unleashed a strike from 20 yards but it hit Gundogan and deflected through to Walton.

Three minutes later, Delap battled with Kovacic, won the ball, took it on and was fouled just outside the box to the left.

Clarke took the free-kick and laid it off to the unmarked Hutchinson on the edge of the area from where the former Chelsea man struck a powerful shot which flicked over off Haaland’s head when on its way into the roof of the net.

From the corner, Town threatened again, O’Shea rising high heading towards goal but Ederson claimed two-handed under his bar.

However, the visitors took the lead in the 27th minute. Doku fed in Kevin De Bruyne on the left of the box and the Belgian chipped a cross to Foden on the edge of the six-yard box at the near post. The England international deftly took it down before hitting a quick shot on the half-turn which gave Walton no chance.

The Town fans tried to up the noise despite their side having gone behind and on 29 Delap brought the ball forward before hitting an ambitious shot from distance which Ederson saved down to his right.

A minute later, it was 2-0. Foden squared the ball to Kovacic on the edge of the area to his right and the Croatian international fired a low shot into the corner of the net.

Performance-wise, the Blues had had a decent first half hour, playing as well as they might have hoped against such illustrious opposition, but still found themselves two goals down.

Davis whipped a cross over from the left into Ederson’s arms, then De Bruyne shot over from the edge after more good work from Foden.

City made it 3-0 and effectively tied up the points in the 42nd minute. Doku threaded in De Bruyne behind Godfrey on the left and, as Burgess came out to cover, cut back to Foden on the edge of the six-yard box, from where he turned the ball under Walton and into the net for his second goal of the game, fifth in his last three Premier League games and his sixth in his last six in the top flight.

Neither side threatened in the remaining scheduled time and one additional minute. The scoreline was harsh on the Blues’ display overall, certainly up to the first City goal, with Town giving as good as they got against the Premier League champions and creating a couple of decent chances.

However, the visitors’ quality eventually showed with the Blues unable to keep Foden and De Bruyne in check with the first goal cleverly converted by the England man, who then teed-up Kovacic for the second, before De Bruyne again made the most of be able to break into the area unchecked to create the third.

Town, facing an impossible task to get back in the game, were first to threaten after the break, Delap feeding Johnson on the right of the area and the West Ham man hitting a low shot across Ederson that the keeper initially couldn’t hold but claimed off a defender’s shins.

But within a minute, the visitors scored their fourth. De Bruyne sent Doku way on the left, the Belgian international taking the ball into the area and cutting between Godfrey and Morsy before hitting a shot across Walton which caught O’Shea and nestled in the corner of the net.

And on 57, it was 5-0. Clarke made a wayward pass not far inside the Town half, gifting possession to Doku, who gratefully accepted it, took it forward and cut inside to the right to Haaland, who slipped it past Walton.

City continued to look for goals and two minutes after the fifth goal Haaland and Doku exchanged passes on the left of the box, but the Norwegian’s shot was blocked. De Bruyne’s follow-up deflected onto the roof of the net.

Town hadn’t been in it as an attacking force since the fourth goal, but on 62 Hutchinson played a one-two with Johnson on the right and hit a cross-shot which Ederson claimed but took out for a corner, which came to nothing.

A minute later, City swapped Haaland, De Bruyne and the outstanding Foden for Divin Mubama, Jack Grealish and James McAtee, then Town switched Clarke, Cajuste and Godfrey for debutant Philogene, wearing Jaden on the back of his shirt, Massimo Luongo and Tuanzebe, whose return was warmly cheered by the home support.

Five minutes after coming on, McAtee made it six. Kovacic was given time and space to chip a ball over the Town backline and the England U21 international got in behind and nodded a looping header over Walton from 10 yards out at the back post.

Town made two more changes in the 73rd minute, Delap and Hutchinson making way for George Hirst and Jack Taylor.

Nunez was booked for a foul on Davis on the left in the 79th minute, the game’s first yellow card, but the free-kick came to nothing.

City played out the remaining minutes in complete control of the game but with the Blues able to prevent any further goals.

After the whistle, the Town players and staff went over to the North Stand and were warmly cheered and applauded by their fans, despite the heaviest defeat of the McKenna era.

A chastening afternoon for the Blues, who can look back on a first half hour in which they matched the visitors and created a couple of openings.

However, City’s quality carved out their clearer cut chances, which were taken to take the game well away from the home side. In the second half, once the fourth goal went in, it was all City with Town’s aim to do nothing more than keep the scoreline down.

The worst Blues home defeat since the 6-0 at home to Liverpool in February 2002 and their heaviest loss full stop since losing by the same scoreline to Blackpool in August 2012. It is also the heaviest home defeat in the top flight this season and City’s biggest ever away win in the Premier League.

The thrashing by the Reds in 2002 precipitated a collapse which ended in relegation from the Premier League, Town having been 12th at the time.

A similar disintegration from McKenna’s men seems unlikely but the result and the narrative of the game illustrates the gulf between the teams towards the top of the division and those at the bottom.

However, shipping so many goals is a big blow to their goal difference, the Blues now sitting six worse off than Wolves above them in the final safe spot with the teams still equal on points.

Following their poor run, City needed a win and perhaps a big one given the spotlight they and manager Pep Guardiola have been under.

It doesn’t get any easier for Town with a trip to leaders Liverpool, where they were beaten 5-0 on their last Premier League visit in May 2002, up next on Sunday.

Town: Walton, Johnson, Godfrey (Tuanzebe 64), O'Shea, Burgess, Morsy, Cajuste (Luongo 64), Davis, Hutchinson (Taylor 73), Clarke (Philogene 64), Delap (Hirst 73). Unused: Muric, Townsend, Burns, Broadhead.

Manchester City: Ederson, Nunes, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne (Grealish 64), Foden (McAtee 64), Doku, Haaland (Mubama 64). Unused: Moreno, Bernardo, Savinho, Alleyne, O'Reilly, Lewis. Referee: Sam Barrott (West Riding). VAR: Paul Tierney. Att: 29,841 (City: 2,980).

Photo: Matchday Images

Northstandveteran added 19:35 - Jan 19 @Nottsblue66. You think we'll go down, I think we will stay up. It's a difference of opinion.
8

bignics added 19:35 - Jan 19 McKenna = clueless changed nothing so what a surprise we lost by 6! I was embarrassed to watch my fellow fans applaud that at the end I mean what was there to applaud? And what signal are we sending to the players that performance was acceptable?! City toyed with us and didn’t get out of 1st gear then some teenage kids played keep ball for 20 minutes and we couldn’t get near them… so much to applaud. Morsy absolutely awful he isn’t good enough and Omari needs dropping he has given nothing for weeks.

-12

Lukeybluey added 19:37 - Jan 19 Was always going to be a tough game. Reminded me when we played Newcastle. We played some good stuff in the first half, we just need to be more positive and direct in the final third. We were supporting the boys after the final whistle. We will be with them until the end. They need our support.
12

Motown added 19:40 - Jan 19 That was painful and the players will be hurting. But let's stick together and keep the faith - if we are to survive this season it will be through staying calm and not panicking when things like today happen. And let's try not to heap criticism on individual players or use a really poor team performance to bash those we don't personally rate.
14

papashango87 added 19:46 - Jan 19 Blueboy81 taking out his rubbish home life on here as usual I see. Get it all out buddy that’s the way. It’s nice to have something to focus on. Meanwhile people saying we were outclassed…. Well yeah durrr. Man City are champions, they have been building a top squad for a number of years now with the best manager in the world. I’m not sure what you were expecting? Other people saying there was a lack of effort I disagree with though, it’s hard to keep chasing when a side is popping the ball around you, you can’t do it consistently. The embarrassing thing is booing your side who’ve just come up two divisions and want them back in the championship

14

KMcBlue added 19:46 - Jan 19 We've managed to play this team at exactly the wrong times this season.
10

Sensiblue added 19:47 - Jan 19 A reasonable sense of perspective and reality wouldn't go amiss from some of you angry mob on here. Of all the clubs in the whole of English football, We as Ipswich fans should be bouncing along with the way that our club has been run from top to bottom these last three years. You know the professionalism and dedication shown by everyone on and off the pitch at our club is 2nd to none and deserves world class support and appreciation by the many which I believe we have allowing us to ignore rather the apoplectic incoherent rage posted on here by the worryingly unhinged minority. This time two years ago, we could only dream of taking a tonking off City in a live on sky premier league game. You would think everyone would grant the club a little credit in the bank but unfortunately a lot people now days are so reactionary and use these platforms to express whatever personal frustrations they may have in life. This should be a place for us to come here and be a positive community embracing the enjoyment of everything we are given in terms of effort and passion and commitment by everyone currently employed at our club. Thankyou all, I for one am loving being a Towen fan right now. COYB

18

Karlosfandangal added 19:50 - Jan 19 Suffolkboy I saw loads of encouragement at Bristol Rovers when Morsy was being slagged off in League 1, strange how that was not an exceptional but a 6-0 lose at home after £150 million has been spent on players. Agree with your point however
-2

dubblue added 19:51 - Jan 19 It was interesting at the very end as most of the Town players applauded the North Stand Delap was up chatting with old City colleagues, to be fair he kept trying for Town today but we were just outclassed by a very clinical City team
0

FarnboroBlue added 19:52 - Jan 19 Always expected to lose today, problem is the scoreline and tbh bit of a capitulation. Main worry is for the new signings, not an ideal debut game, contrast to the last two seasons for Jan signings joining a winning set up. We need some new leadership injected and I'm hoping it's Ben Godfrey. He has quality and experience and looked good today despite the result, I think our chances of survival will ultimately depend on what he can bring and invest for the cause.

5

itfc2024 added 19:54 - Jan 19 todays games shows the golf in class it was men against boys but I have to say Johnson is a shocking players he offers nothing morsy is passed it we need to find a younger holding midfielder Hutchinson offers very little for £20 million i want more from him but mckenna won't drop morsy and Hutchinson another issues is all the changes we need to have a settled team i know injuries don't help but the back 4/5 whatever we play keep being changed we need to get a settled defence so they can understand each other but every game these 1 or 2 changes which I feel is costing us my last thing is the goalkeeper situation muric is shocking but unfortunately Walton ain't much better this need addressing in the summer if we stay up cos both ain't good enough for premiership

3

Magic8 added 19:58 - Jan 19 Run towards adversity..? No run away at halftime like the couple in the West stand did..just like they did against Newcastle....stick with your team always.. not just when they are beating Accrington Stanley et al
7

Leejames99 added 20:02 - Jan 19 Marked down for even daring to say that Morsy and Burns etc not good enough, they aren't, that's fact! I agree Hutchinson could do with a rest vs Liverpool, play Broadhead on right or let's see how the England U21 front line play together. Hopefully new midfielder in this week. Thankfully by the Southampton game, everyone should be fit, a new dressing room with some new faces, Davis, Broadhead, Hirst and Walton representing the old guard too. Exciting times again. Heard Chesterfield want Morsy and Luongo and Burns off to Wrexham, I hear Ashton fed up with the players who supports call like they know them with names ending in Y ...Morsy, Burns, Clarke,Woolf, Chappersie lol bit humour to lighten the mood on thread.

-4

ImAbeliever added 20:09 - Jan 19 Clinically disected by master surgeons. They had individuals’worth’ more than our whole team. Thought Philogene looked very good when he came on but didn’t notice Godfrey until he went off. Delap different class again.
2

LimerickTractorBoy added 20:10 - Jan 19 bluebullet FAIR ENOUGH, apologies, I really enjoy this site most of the time but really hurt by the last 4 days and then to come on here and see so called supporters wading into the team just tips me over the edge. why cant people see how far the Town have come and support them.
11

Cakeman added 20:13 - Jan 19 First twenty minutes we gave it a good go but class from Man City eventually won the day. The scoreline is a hard One to take but at least we tried which is more than we did against Brighton. It’s now Three out of Four teams for the drop. Everton I think will now do a Palace and pull away. Hopefully Chelsea will beat Wolves tomorrow to keep them level on points with us. Not sure what’s needed in remainder of transfer window as there are more than One or Two areas that require lifting for us to really compete in the Premiership. Kieran does also need to pick and stick with a regular defence. At the moment every team we play looks as though they could score at any time. Our defenders sometimes look like strangers.

3

SuperTabby added 20:13 - Jan 19 Man City were very very clinical today, and better in all aspects. We’re not the first team to get battered by them and we won’t be the last. It was good to see that most of the fans stuck with the team throughout and the players continued to fight until the end. Nothing to get too concerned with, but we’ll need to pick up some wins and results after the game next week.

8

itfc2024 added 20:15 - Jan 19 I will tell my thoughts on the squad Walton average Davis good going forward worrying at defending Burgess not good enough o shea good player Godfrey a average signing hardly better than what we have Johnson is shocking worse signing morsy been great now 2 old Jens is quality Hutchinson needs to do more with the massive price tag j Clarke is good but playing out of position he's a winger not a number 10 delap is quality but trys to do 2 much on his own

3

ThaiBlue added 20:17 - Jan 19 Got yo stop the short stuff at the back just not good enough to do this.hutchinson ,Johnson Clarke hopeless need dropping.godfrey and the new guy from villa will help.think we need to get a keeper on at least on loan.fans today fantastic.love you kieran but you need to drop some of these boys and keep a steady starting line up if no injuries.still think we can stay up.

3

gkroon89 added 20:17 - Jan 19 Ouch. Can’t say it wasn’t beyond City to do that to us. Confused as to why we made no changes at half time when the right side got not battered, but slaughtered. Concerned about Johnson - pretty much all bar 1 or 2 games (if that), he really has not produced at all. Think Jack Clark needs to be loaned out as the Premiership is beyond him at this stage. At least it wasn’t 9-0.

3

Billericay12 added 20:18 - Jan 19 I don’t think you can criticise the effort. Yes there was a gulf in class but what did we expect. We have invested over 100 million on players to try and stay in the Prem which was only a pipe dream 2 years ago. There are limits to the level of player you will attract and we have to be realistic about that. I still see great support and positivity inside PR and we must all continue to support the team. Most weeks they give us real hope of getting a result. It’s not easy but remember how far we have come.

4

ImAbeliever added 20:19 - Jan 19 We were beaten by a team probably valued at over a billion quid and saying we were disgraceful etc , etc is incomprehensible. Some truly ridiculous comments on here tonight, grow up!
17

Wooly74 added 20:20 - Jan 19 When less than three years ago I used to sit in an almost totally empty row with my best friend from school, I thought my beloved club was dead and never again in my time would I watch the best teams probably in the World coming to PR. Today, I had the pleasure of witnessing us playing such a side this time without a single seat available anywhere near me. We (as expected) were blown away by a team who has spent billions to assembled probably one of the richest clubs ever, managed by probably one of the best managers in the modern day game, blimey even the supporting staff around him almost trebled the number of fellow Town fans who used to actually sit within 20 metres of me in the stadium. I’m not going to pick our names, but I’m embarrassed by some of the negative comments, which must be coming from those supposed fans who less than three years ago didn’t even come to games. To those specific fans I say simply this “Wake up and smell the coffee” what our club has achieved in the past two season is nothing short of exceptional, we are now very much playing with the big boys and therefore some days we will get pumped like we were today. The gap between the Championship and this league is huge and so clear to see by looking at the league table. If you don’t realise that, go back to what ever you were doing before and stop moaning!

20

SuperBlue69 added 20:31 - Jan 19 So far down the list that this will probably never be read. However, I am so proud of my club and one result means nothing in the scheme of things. We will probably lose against Liverpool but we can still stay up… Ipswich til I die
14

EssexTractor added 20:32 - Jan 19 The realism is that we played Manchester City, talented throughout and underlined by the fact that their nine year contract man barely got involved , and his goal another generous gift. We have endeavoured and been skilful in matches this season when we should have collected better results. But not today , despite giving our all in the first 25 minutes. Delap again showed glimpses of the attributes that so many praise him for but really had little support around him . Our midfield now lacks pace and precision with passes. I dare say had Delap been in City’s team today he would be going home with at least one match ball. Although losing by six goals we do have some capable defenders , O Shea has been the most pleasing . But the back four of five need midfield protection as much as the front line needs midfield injection. That’s the core of our problem in this League .The midfield . In that marvellous past of ours Sir Bobby had taken us to a wonderful FA Cup victory but he knew the key to greater success lay in strengthening this midfield and in came Thijsssen and Muhren . Yes the game has changed much but not the roles of the midfielders. Some say go out and buy another striker but without the ammunition from that engine room , those “ strikers” will be shooting duds, if they shoot at all. We all want success, we don’t want to slag off players , those who have made “ this journey “ to here but whether we stay up or go down , and let’s hope it’s McKenna still at the helm . Sentimentality must go ..sadly some of our favourites of the last 24 months will have to waved goodbye. But as for today we played a team full of individual brilliance and in our heads we knew we couldn’t compete throughout but more days will follow and we will be back .

6

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls