Gündoğan is applauded vigorously, the triumphant celebration of filling a jug marks their initial victory
On a Friday, Ilkay Gündogan makes his way back to Manchester City after his stint at FC Barcelona. The following day, he's set to hit the pitch. At 33, Gündogan can revel in triumph, much like Niclas Füllkugg and coach Fabian Hürzeler.
Manchester City emerged victorious against newly promoted Ipswich Town, winning 4-1 (3-1). Despite a brief hiccup, manager Pep Guardiola's team remained unruffled. Gündogan entered the game in the 71st minute, mere hours after his exit from Barcelona, marking his return.
A year ago, Gündogan walked away from City for Barcelona. But at 3-1, it was Jeremy Doku who was subbed in, and Gündogan was greeted with thunderous applause from the fans.
Earlier, the German team captain had watched nervously from the bench as Sammie Szmodics (8') put Ipswich in the lead with a graceful lob. But City swiftly turned on the offensive. Erling Haaland (11'/15') and Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne (14') put City in control within minutes. Arijanet Muric, the visiting goalkeeper, struggled at 1-2 and 1-3. Haaland (88') sealed the victory.
Gündogan's return to Manchester City, his long-time successful club and mentor Guardiola, was marked nearly 14 months after his dream move to Barcelona. The financial struggles of Barcelona had signaled the end of his stay.
Meanwhile, West Ham United's Niclas Füllkugg celebrated his team's first season win with a 2-0 (2-0) victory over Crystal Palace. Manager Oliver Glasner's team had rebounded from a 1-2 loss against Aston Villa in the first round. Füllkugg joined the action in the second half, indirectly contributing to Tomas Soucek's interim goal. Missed a chance for his first goal in the final stages, however.
Before that, Fabian Hürzeler also celebrated a win in his debut match as Brighton & Hove Albion coach. His English Premier League team triumphed 2-1 (1-0) against Manchester United with an extra-time goal. Hürzeler, the former coach of Bundesliga newcomers FC St. Pauli, began the new Premier League season with two victories. Their opening match against FC Everton ended in a 3-0 win.
For Brighton, former United striker Danny Welbeck (32nd minute) and João Pedro (90.+5) scored. Amad Diallo equalized for the guests in the 60th minute. Two more apparent United goals were nullified due to offside positions.
Gündogan's emotional return to Manchester United's rival, Manchester City, was met with enthusiasm, as he replaced Jeremy Doku and helped secure a victory. On the other hand, Fabian Hürzeler, the new coach of Brighton & Hove Albion, faced Manchester United in his debut match and managed to secure a victory, despite Amad Diallo equalizing for United.
