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The Etihad Stadium really is Kevin De Bruyne’s playground. Luton couldn’t get near the Belgian as he pulled the strings to help Manchester City to an ultimately comfortable 5-1 win that moved them back to the top of the table.
Indeed, the 32-year-old was involved right from the first whistle, setting Erling Haaland through as the opening goal arrived within two minutes, courtesy of a hugely unfortunate own goal from Daiki Hashioka.
The hosts, despite finishing the game with an incredible 37 shots at goal, had to wait until after the hour mark for their second – Mateo Kovacic lashing home a thunderous volley that gave Thomas Kaminski no chance.
It was three soon after as Haaland slotted home from the penalty spot and although Ross Barkley pulled one back for Rob Edwards’ side, the impressive Jeremy Doku made it 4-1 with a jinking run and expert finish. There was still time for Josko Gvardiol to add a fifth in stoppage time too, with City nudging their goal difference up to +44 as a direct result.
GOAL rates Manchester City’s players from the Etihad Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
No clean sheet today. After having literally nothing to do in the first half, his crossbar was rattled by Cauley Woodrow before he was beaten by a smart finish from Barkley for Luton’s consolation goal.
Rico Lewis (7/10):
Bright and effective in that inverted full-back position on the right. Linked up well with the likes of De Bruyne and Nunes in front of him and proved once again he’s a more than capable deputy for the absent Kyle Walker.
Manuel Akanji (6/10):
Often found himself in central midfield, such was City’s domination. Had hardly anything to do from a defensive point of view, with Luton so focused on keeping the hosts out.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Like Akanji, he had the freedom to start much higher up the pitch and cruised through what was a comfortable afternoon for him. Made over 100 successful passes which was more than anyone else on the pitch, De Bruyne included.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
Looked to cut in from the left flank and get shots away, like he did so effectively at the Bernabeu. One slack moment saw Fred Onyedinma wrestle past him, leading to Luton smacking the crossbar, but a largely positive performance that resulted in a stoppage-time goal.
Midfield
Mateo Kovacic (7/10):
Flashed a deflected shot wide midway through the second half before thumping a half-volley into the net to make it 2-0. Not a bad way to score his first Premier League goal for City.
Kevin De Bruyne (8/10):
Wrap him up in cotton wool ready for Madrid. Dominated again here, especially in the first half, creating chance after chance after chance – seven in total. Will be disappointed he didn’t record a goal or assist and didn’t look too pleased to be taken off with 10 minutes left.
Matheus Nunes (5/10):
His afternoon was tarnished somewhat by his role in Luton’s goal, as a loose touch on the half turn allowed Barkley to rob him and fire past Ederson.
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Subs & Manager
Sergio Gomez (N/A):
Came on late in the game with City cruising.
Oscar Bobb (N/A):
Replaced Haaland with only 10 minutes to go.
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
He’ll be delighted with that. Managed to rest the likes of Rodri, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden for the Madrid game and still got the emphatic result that not only put City back on top but also significantly boosted their goal difference.
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