Manchester City turned up the heat on their Premier League title rivals with a 5-1 win over Luton Town on Saturday.
Manchester City returned to domestic competition following their European exploits with a dominant performance against the relegation battlers.
Pep Guardiola’s side couldn’t have hoped for a better start when Erling Haaland’s shot was turned in by the head of Daiki Hashioka with a minute on the clock.
The Blues controlled the first half and had plenty of chances to double their lead but it wasn’t until the 63rd minute did they finally managed it as Mateo Kovacic fired home with a great goal.
Haaland made it three from the penalty spot but then Ross Barkley pulled one back. The three-goal cushion was soon restored when Jeremy Doku scored a fantastic goal.
Ederson – 6
Has little to do on his return to the starting XI but made one good save and could do little about Barkley’s strike. Played one sublime pass forward that could have led to a goal if Nunes hadn’t have slipped.
Rico Lewis – 6
Played the midfield role and was elegant in possession but a comfortable afternoon against a side that rarely attacked.
Manuel Akanji – 6
Much more comfortable back in a central role rather than having to deal with Rodrygo at right-back. Composed on the ball but easy afternoon.
Ruben Dias – 6
Was beaten by the skill of Barkley as the midfielder pulled one back for Luton. Had little else to do.
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Nearly repeated his goal against Madrid in the first half and then did score in added time with another fine finish on his weaker foot.
The past week has clearly boosted his confidence massively.
Mateo Kovacic – 8
A strong showing from the Croatian who controlled the midfield. He was aggressive in the press, energetic in the challenge and displayed some smart, one-touch passing as the Blues’ built their attacks.
Got a great goal his performance deserved as he thumped home Alvarez’s cross from just inside the box.
Matheus Nunes – 4
Should have done better when teed up by Doku in a great position.
Brought some good energy but did little of note other than graze the post and then lose the ball on the edge of his own box for Luton’s goal. Did little to fight his way into the side on a regular basis.
Julian Alvarez – 6
Out on the right rather than his preferred central role and struggled to get involved as much as a result. However, was dangerous from set pieces and worked his corners well.
Teed up Kovacic’s goal and could have had another assist if De Bruyne kept his effort low.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8
A lovely pass in the opening minute led to the first goal and De Bruyne maintained that class throughout.
He put several sublime deliveries and passes into dangerous areas and could have had three assists by the break. Should have kept one effort down from a good Alvarez corner but otherwise excellent.
Jeremy Doku – 9
Scored a brilliant solo goal, his first since November and it was probably his best performance since then, too.
A livewire down the flank throughout with some nice trickery and pace. He teed up Nunes for a shot he should have done better with, was involved in the opening goal and won the penalty with his quick skill.
Erling Haaland – 6
Should have done better with his first attempt ahead of the opening goal and was fortunate his wayward second effort deflected in.
Weak on the ball at points, fired over from a great De Bruyne cross and his goal from the penalty spot does little to make an otherwise quiet performance much better.
Still seems a bit out of sorts.
Substitutes
Serio Gomez – 5
Slipped the one time the ball came to him.
Oscar Bobb – 6
Some tidy touches.