Manchester City’s easy 5-1 victory over Luton propelled them to the top of the Premier League, ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola’s team made no mistakes against the relegation-threatened team on Sunday, even though both of their championship rivals were playing. It took just ninety seconds for Erling Haaland’s goal to break the deadlock when it deflected in off the unlucky Daiki Hashioka.
For much of the game, it was one-way traffic. City’s 51 touches in the Luton box in the first half of the match were the most in any Premier League game since Opta began collecting statistics.
The second goal didn’t come until 64 minutes in, but it was well worth the wait as Mateo Kovacic’s incredible strike struck the top corner. Ross Barkley then gave Luton a response, but Haaland scored his 20th Premier League goal of the year from the penalty spot.
That did not deter City, who sealed the easy victory with two goals late in the game from Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol.
How City made it to the top of the Premier League…
In preparation for their rematch with Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola altered his starting lineup, leaving out John Stones, Rodri, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva. Ederson took Stefan Ortega’s place in goal.
After two minutes, City took the lead because they had no intention of making this a challenging afternoon.
After Haaland was sent through by Kevin de Bruyne, Thomas Kaminski made a good stop, but he was ultimately overpowered when Haaland’s spectacular volley was about to go wide until it massively deflected off Hashioka’s head and found its way into the net.
Luton played resolute defence while providing no offensive threat.
After deflecting a strong attempt from Gvardiol, Kaminski also collected efforts from Ruben Dias, De Bruyne, and Matheus Nunes.
At times, it seemed like a drill for City, and shortly after the hour, the Croatian made an incredible effort from the edge of the area to give City the lead twice.
Cauley Woodrow was set up by Fred Onyedinma as Luton launched their first sustained attempt, but the substitute shot straight at the custodian.
Soon after, play resumed normally as the vivacious Doku was hauled down by Onyedinma was awarded a penalty. Haaland snubbed Kaminski with a cool head.
Barkley managed to get one back, but City sealed the deal with a powerful push in the last stretch.
Gvardiol scored his second goal in a week after Doku’s goal was deserved. Doku slamming past some hapless Luton defending and gliding into the corner.
It’s up to you, Arsenal and Liverpool.
On Wednesday, April 17, Manchester City will host the second leg of their quarterfinal Champions League matchup with Real Madrid. First leg resulted in a 3-3 draw.
On Saturday, April 20, City takes on Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup semifinals. On Thursday, April 25, Pep Guardiola’s team will play their comeback to Premier League action against Brighton, live on Sky Sports.
Luton’s attempt to survive continues on Saturday, April 20, at home against Brentford.
Other posts by Hiresh
