Manchester City claimed the top spot in the Premier League, if only temporarily, following a commanding victory over struggling Luton Town.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking the lead just 65 seconds into the match at Etihad Stadium as Erling Haaland’s volley ricocheted off Luton’s Daiki Hashioka and found the back of the net.
City patiently extended their advantage, with Mateo Kovacic doubling their lead with a sublime strike from the edge of the area after over an hour of play.
Haaland further solidified City’s position with a confidently converted penalty following a foul on Jeremy Doku by Fred Onyedinma.
Despite a late consolation goal from Ross Barkley for Luton, Doku showcased his prowess with a splendid solo effort to restore City’s lead.
Doku then turned provider, setting up Josko Gvardiol for City’s fifth goal, a stunning finish into the top corner, marking Gvardiol’s second goal in as many games.
With the win, City sit two points clear at the summit of the table, although Liverpool and Arsenal have the opportunity to reclaim the top position in their respective fixtures on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Luton remains entrenched in the relegation zone after the defeat.
City win without Rodri
City achieved something they hadn’t managed all season: winning a league game without Rodri. The influential midfielder missed three league matches due to suspension, coinciding with City’s only three league defeats this season.
Following Tuesday’s exhausting 3-3 Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid, Rodri expressed the need for rest, which Manager Pep Guardiola granted. Despite being on the bench, City performed seamlessly without him.
Returning after a month-long absence, Ederson manned the goal effortlessly, enjoying a smooth return to action.
The game was a breeze for everyone in the City squad wearing light blue.
Haaland had an early opportunity in the first minute, courtesy of Kevin de Bruyne, but his initial shot was saved by Thomas Kaminski. However, his follow-up, heading wide, was deflected in by Hashioka, who was nearly knocked out by the powerful strike.
City maintained relentless pressure and dominance, constantly threatening Luton’s defensive lines. It took them until their 27th shot to double their lead, with Kovacic’s half-volley from Julian Alvarez’s cross.
Despite initial frustrations in front of goal, Haaland converted a penalty for his 20th Premier League goal of the season after Doku was fouled by Onyedinma.
Following Luton’s consolation goal, Doku evaded Onyedinma’s challenge again, finding the bottom corner with precision.
Gvardiol, who scored a remarkable goal in Madrid on Tuesday, netted another in stoppage time from Doku’s assist.
City’s stay at the top of the table hinges on the performances of Liverpool and Arsenal in the coming weeks. Guardiola’s side needs at least one of them to stumble in the final stretch of the season.
Not the game for Luton to target
Luton now trail Nottingham Forest by a single point in the relegation battle following Forest’s 2-2 draw with Wolves.
However, Manager Rob Edwards likely did not anticipate securing any points from this match.
Despite the outcome, Luton supporters who attended the match enjoyed themselves and provided ample vocal support. These are the types of fixtures they would have eagerly anticipated, albeit with some trepidation, following last season’s promotion.
Luton mustered four shots during the game, including a close effort from Cauley Woodrow that struck the crossbar and a goal from Barkley following a stepover after a defensive error by City.
Their upcoming fixture, a home encounter against Brentford on April 20th, carries significant importance in their quest to avoid relegation.