Manchester City have moved back to the top of the Premier League standings – all but for a short period – after they sealed a 5-1 victory against Luton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The English champions moved to go two points clear of Arsenal and Liverpool at the top of the table, with both sides in action against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
The Treble winners got off to a fast start, with Erling Haaland‘s shot from inside the penalty area striking the face of Luton defender Daiki Hashioka before going into the back of the net. Mateo Kovacic doubled their lead in the second half, drilling his shot just inside the area into the back of the Luton goal.
Haaland followed up with a strike from the spot, before Luton’s Ross Barkley capitalised on a mistake from summer signing Matheus Nunes in the 81st minute. But by this stage, City were in cruise control, with Jeremy Doku, who returned to the starting line-up today, producing a stunning individual effort to score late on. He’d return shortly after to tee up defender Josko Gvardiol, whose thumping strike sealed the 5-1 victory.
Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt provides his player ratings following a gripping game at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City took the lead after Daiki Hashioka deflected Erling Haaland’s shot into his own net
Mateo Kovacic doubled City’s lead, with a thumping strike from just inside the penalty area
The victory saw Pep Guardiola’s side move to the top of the Premier League by two points
Man City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – 6.5
Should have been charged the price for admission. All he had to do was watch. Decent distribution on one of his quietest days at work.
Josko Gvardiol – 7.5
Had an early sight of goal when he stung the palms of Kaminski and he looks in the mood going forward. Good idea, too, given Luton offered nothing for him to worry about defensively. Had to wait until stoppage time for his goal.
Ruben Dias – 7
Went down looking for a penalty but got no sympathy from referee John Brookes during a dominant first half. A great leader for this side in what is a season-defining week.
Manuel Akanji – 6.5
Dependable, as he always is. Calm and composed – but didn’t have a lot to do.
It was a quiet day for Ederson, who should have been charged for the price of admission!
Ruben Dias stepped up as a leader today for Man City in what will be a season-defining week
Manuel Akanji was dependable, as he always is – but the City defender didn’t have a lot to do
Rico Lewis – 7
Slotting in at right back, it was a good tussle between him and Tahith Chong. Got forward at every opportunity. Glides past players effortlessly and home fans love him for it.
Mateo Kovacic – 7.5
With Rodri given the day off as he watched this one from the bench, it was down to the Croatian to anchor the midfield. Served up a stunning goal on the half volley right into the top corner. A stunner.
Matheus Nunes – 6
Should have done much better when played through on goal early in the second half, only to lose his footing at the crucial moment. His loose touch at the other end allowed Barkley to score.
Jeremy Doku – 8.5
Man of the match no doubt. He’s a constant livewire with his electric pace and he never gave Fred Onyedinma a moment’s peace. Won the penalty for Haaland to score, then finished off a sublime mazy run of his own. Still had time to tee up Gvardiol in the final stages for 5-1.
Rico Lewis glided past players effortlessly, but had a tussle on his hands with Tahith Chong
Matheus Nunes’ loose touch allowed Ross Barkley the chance to score in the second half
Kevin De Bruyne – 8
Looked a class apart as Luton camped themselves on the edge of their own box in the early stages. Some of his through balls were sublime. Booked and was one of the first Guardiola wanted to get off and rested.
Julian Alvarez – 6
A continuing source of frustration for his decision-making in the final third. Seems like every bright moment is quickly followed up by one that leaves you scratching your head in bewilderment. Did deliver the pin-point cross for Kovacic’s goal, though.
Erling Haaland – 6.5
Should have scored moments before he leathered one into the face of Daiki Hashioka for the opening goal. Quiet game by his standards but was cool as you like from the penalty spot.
Manager: Pep Guardiola – 8
Kevin De Bruyne was was booked in the first half, but enjoyed an excellent game in midfield
Jeremy Doku produced a man-of-the-match performance, scoring on his return to the first XI
Haaland had a quiet game by his standards, but did score from the penalty spot late on
LUTON TOWN (4-3-3)
Thomas Kaminski – 6
In truth, he could do nothing about the goals but it was his strong keeping that kept it at 1-0 at the break. On paper this is a hammering but Kaminiski did well to stop it from being worse.
Alfie Doughty – 6
He made a huge block to deny Doku moments before City got the opening goal. At the other end he was afforded precious few opportunities to whip the ball into the area.
Reece Burke – 5.5
Was caught napping in the opening seconds when he was left in Haaland’s rear view mirrors. Helped when Luton settled into a rigid shape with everyone behind the ball.
Daiki Hashioka – 5.5
Had his head in his hands two minutes in and not because it was a mistake – more so because he’d been smashed in the face by the ball as his own goal made it 1-0.
On paper this is a hammering but Thomas Kaminiski did well to stop it from being worse
Hashioka dropped to the floor two minutes in after Haaland’s strike smashed him in the face
Fred Onyedinma – 5
Never the easiest assignment when you get lumbered with the pace of Doku and he ended up falling foul when he gave away a penalty.
Should have had an assist to his name when Woodrow smacked his cut-back onto the crossbar.
Luke Berry – 5
Largely a non-factor in this one. City overwhelmed Luton in what was a backs-against-the-wall type of performance.
Ross Barkley – 6.5
Should have been booked for a cynical tug of Ederson’s arm when the City goalkeeper went to take a goal-kick.
Finished well as he capitalised on Nunes’ poor touch on the edge of his box.
Luton’s Fred Onyedinma struggled to compete with the pace of Doku and gave away a penalty
Ross Barkley pulled one back for Luton and finished his goal well after Nunes’ errant pass
Andros Townsend was first to be withdrawn by Rob Edwards as he looked to spur his team on
Jordan Clark – 5
Game completely passed him by. If Luton are to stay up there are more games that he will be able to influence than this one.
Andros Townsend – 5.5
First to be withdrawn by Rob Edwards as he looked to inject some life into his team. That shouldn’t be an indictment on Townsend, although his influence on proceedings was slim to none.
Carlton Morris – 6
Won a couple of early flick-ons but as the most advanced player he was left to chase onto them himself.
The result means that Edwards’ side have now won just once in their last five league games
Tahith Chong – 6.5
One of few players who actually looked capable of dragging Luton up the pitch. If Luton end up going down he shouldn’t be short of suitors.
Manager: Rob Edwards – 6
SUBS
Cauley Woodrow (for Andros Townsend, 59) – 6
