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Manchester City 5-1 Luton Town: Erling Haaland scores as City go top of Premier League

By Emlyn BegleyBBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

Last updated on .From the section Premier Leaguecomments950

Mateo Kovacic
Both of Mateo Kovacic's domestic goals this season have come against Luton Town

Manchester City moved top of the Premier League for at least a day with a predictably dominant victory over struggling Luton Town.

City led after only 65 seconds at Etihad Stadium when Erling Haaland's wayward volley hit Luton's Daiki Hashioka before flying into the net.

It took City more than an hour to double their lead through Mateo Kovacic's sweet, rising strike from near the edge of the area.

Haaland put the game beyond any doubt with a penalty after Jeremy Doku was fouled by Fred Onyedinma.

Just after City made a double change, Ross Barkley took advantage of a Matheus Nunes mistake to pull one back for the Hatters.

But Doku cut in from the left to slot a fine solo goal into the bottom corner.

The impressive Doku set up City's fifth as he picked out Josko Gvardiol, who slammed a beauty into the top corner - the defender's second goal in a week having not scored for City before that.

City are two points clear at the top, although Liverpool - at home to Crystal Palace - and Arsenal, who host Aston Villa, can move back above them on Sunday.

Luton remain in the relegation zone.

City win without Rodri

City have done something they have not managed yet this season, winning a league game without Rodri.

The influential midfielder has missed three league games this season through suspension, the only three defeats City have experienced in the league.

He said he needed a rest after Tuesday's 3-3 Champions League quarter-final thriller with Real Madrid and manager Pep Guardiola obliged. Rodri was on the bench but City did not need him.

Ederson was back in goal after a month out and he had a comfortable afternoon to ease back into the action.

It was a comfortable afternoon for everyone in a light blue shirt.

Haaland should have scored in the first minute when he was sent one-on-one by Kevin de Bruyne. His shot was saved by Thomas Kaminski and his follow-up was going wide before being deflected in by Hashioka, who was almost knocked out by the effort.

It was non-stop pressure and dominance from City, who lived in Luton's defensive third, but it took them until their 27th shot to double their lead through Kovacic's half-volley from Julian Alvarez's cross.

Haaland looked set for another frustrating afternoon in front of goal until Doku was chopped down by Onyedinma, and the Norwegian converted a penalty for his 20th Premier League goal of the season.

After Luton pulled one back, Doku again took on Onyedinma - who this time dared not lunge in - before finding the bottom corner.

Gvardiol netted a fine goal in Madrid on Tuesday and got another in stoppage time from Doku's pass.

How long defending champions City remain top depends on Liverpool and Arsenal. Guardiola's side need the pair to slip up at least once in the closing weeks.

Not the game for Luton to target

Luton are now a point behind Nottingham Forest in the battle to stay up after Forest's 2-2 draw with Wolves.

But this was never a game manager Rob Edwards would have expected something from.

The Luton fans who made the trip enjoyed themselves and made plenty of noise - these are the kind of games they would have been looking forward to, and perhaps fearful of, after last season's promotion.

Luton managed four shots, although they were good ones with Cauley Woodrow hitting the crossbar and Barkley finishing following a stepover after a City defensive mistake.

Luton's next game - at home to Brentford on 20 April - is huge.

Player of the match

De BruyneKevin De Bruyne

with an average of 7.34

Manchester City

  1. Squad number17Player nameDe Bruyne
    Average rating

    7.34

  2. Squad number19Player nameÁlvarez
    Average rating

    7.09

  3. Squad number8Player nameKovacic
    Average rating

    6.85

  4. Squad number52Player nameBobb
    Average rating

    6.83

  5. Squad number11Player nameDoku
    Average rating

    6.79

  6. Squad number21Player nameGómez
    Average rating

    6.66

  7. Squad number24Player nameGvardiol
    Average rating

    6.62

  8. Squad number3Player nameRúben Dias
    Average rating

    6.42

  9. Squad number9Player nameHaaland
    Average rating

    6.42

  10. Squad number25Player nameAkanji
    Average rating

    6.21

  11. Squad number82Player nameLewis
    Average rating

    6.18

  12. Squad number31Player nameEderson
    Average rating

    6.09

  13. Squad number27Player nameMatheus Nunes
    Average rating

    5.87

Luton Town

  1. Squad number6Player nameBarkley
    Average rating

    6.67

  2. Squad number24Player nameKaminski
    Average rating

    6.32

  3. Squad number45Player nameDoughty
    Average rating

    6.28

  4. Squad number18Player nameClark
    Average rating

    6.25

  5. Squad number9Player nameMorris
    Average rating

    6.20

  6. Squad number8Player nameBerry
    Average rating

    6.20

  7. Squad number14Player nameChong
    Average rating

    6.20

  8. Squad number30Player nameTownsend
    Average rating

    6.10

  9. Squad number16Player nameBurke
    Average rating

    6.08

  10. Squad number32Player nameOnyedinma
    Average rating

    6.00

  11. Squad number10Player nameWoodrow
    Average rating

    5.70

  12. Squad number27Player nameHashioka
    Average rating

    5.55

  13. Squad number43Player nameNelson
    Average rating

    5.39

  14. Squad number38Player nameJohnson
    Average rating

    5.32

  15. Squad number17Player nameMpanzu
    Average rating

    5.24

Line-ups

Man City

Formation 4-2-3-1

  • 31Ederson
  • 82Lewis
  • 3Rúben Dias
  • 25Akanji
  • 24Gvardiol
  • 27Nunes
  • 8Kovacic
  • 19Álvarez
  • 17De BruyneBooked at 43minsSubstituted forGómezat 81'minutes
  • 11Doku
  • 9HaalandSubstituted forBobbat 81'minutes

Substitutes

  • 2Walker
  • 6Aké
  • 10Grealish
  • 16Rodri
  • 18Ortega
  • 20Bernardo Silva
  • 21Gómez
  • 47Foden
  • 52Bobb

Luton

Formation 3-4-2-1

  • 24Kaminski
  • 27Hashioka
  • 16Burke
  • 45Doughty
  • 32OnyedinmaSubstituted forNelsonat 88'minutes
  • 8BerrySubstituted forMpanzuat 77'minutes
  • 6Barkley
  • 14Chong
  • 30TownsendSubstituted forWoodrowat 59'minutes
  • 18ClarkSubstituted forJohnsonat 88'minutes
  • 9Morris

Substitutes

  • 1Shea
  • 10Woodrow
  • 17Mpanzu
  • 23Krul
  • 38Johnson
  • 41Harris
  • 42Chigozie
  • 43Nelson
  • 44Piesold
Referee:
John Brooks
Attendance:
53,449

Match Stats

Home TeamMan CityAway TeamLuton
Possession
Home74%
Away26%
Shots
Home37
Away4
Shots on Target
Home13
Away2
Corners
Home12
Away1
Fouls
Home7
Away6

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Manchester City 5, Luton Town 1.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Manchester City 5, Luton Town 1.

  3. Post update

    Offside, Luton Town. Carlton Morris is caught offside.

  4. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Matheus Nunes (Manchester City) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Oscar Bobb.

  5. Goal!

    Goal! Manchester City 5, Luton Town 1. Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Jérémy Doku.

  6. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

  7. Post update

    Attempt saved. Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

  8. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Sergio Gómez (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Mateo Kovacic.

  9. Post update

    Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Reece Burke.

  10. Substitution

    Substitution, Luton Town. Joe Johnson replaces Jordan Clark.

  11. Substitution

    Substitution, Luton Town. Zack Nelson replaces Fred Onyedinma.

  12. Goal!

    Goal! Manchester City 4, Luton Town 1. Jérémy Doku (Manchester City) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Josko Gvardiol.

  13. Post update

    Attempt missed. Jérémy Doku (Manchester City) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses the top right corner. Assisted by Rico Lewis.

  14. Post update

    Foul by Sergio Gómez (Manchester City).

  15. Post update

    Tahith Chong (Luton Town) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  16. Goal!

    Goal! Manchester City 3, Luton Town 1. Ross Barkley (Luton Town) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner.

  17. Substitution

    Substitution, Manchester City. Oscar Bobb replaces Erling Haaland.

  18. Substitution

    Substitution, Manchester City. Sergio Gómez replaces Kevin De Bruyne.

  19. Post update

    Attempt missed. Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (Luton Town) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is close, but misses to the right.

  20. Post update

    Attempt saved. Alfie Doughty (Luton Town) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Cauley Woodrow.

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950 comments

  • Comment posted by sr_1534, at 17:08 13 Apr

    Even city fans have to agree, Luton always give it their all. Despite having a dozen injured first team players, we always give it a go. We always knew this wasn't an opportunity for any points so the real challenge starts now. Also we only have one fit CB so what could we do against such a strong attacking team. Onwards and upwards for Brentford COYH

    • Reply posted by Chriss_o, at 17:17 13 Apr

      Chriss_o replied:
      Effort doesn't mean results. You don't get points for trying.

  • Comment posted by BillyMeredith, at 17:03 13 Apr

    City hitting City mode right when it matters.

    • Reply posted by Old Man, at 17:09 13 Apr

      Old Man replied:
      with an o.g and a pen against Luton

  • Comment posted by tomcrown, at 17:29 13 Apr

    Not a headline grabbing comment but I thought akanji put in a near perfect performance today. Hugely impressed by him.

  • Comment posted by xmpwdjqp, at 17:01 13 Apr

    Gvardiol - The new goal machine ?

    • Reply posted by Footy_fan, at 17:15 13 Apr

      Footy_fan replied:
      2 well placed beauties in past matches. Will add to his confidence

  • Comment posted by Reg Varney, at 18:18 13 Apr

    Just back home after the game and I have to say that the Luton fans were an absolute credit to their team, and I think it was appreciated by the players as they spent time at the end of the game applauding the travelling support.
    Now it's on to champions league and fa cup, and hopefully 6 more wins in the premier league. C'mon City!!!

    • Reply posted by Treble Winners 2023, at 18:44 13 Apr

      Treble Winners 2023 replied:
      They were dreadful

  • Comment posted by Glamorgan Sausage , at 18:10 13 Apr

    Man City are an elite side that won a proper treble last season - Liverpool are not in their league and never have been

  • Comment posted by abstracts, at 18:09 13 Apr

    One of the things I respect most of all about Guardiola, is the way he gives full respect to the opposition and puts out a strong team, always willing to play his top players. He didn't need to do that today, especially with a big CL match coming up, but he did. Look and learn Mr Klopp, look and learn...and maybe you'll get embarrassed less often. The starting lineup on Thurs was a disgrace.

    • Reply posted by Walander, at 18:29 13 Apr

      Walander replied:
      Wonder how the Pep would get on managing a club like Luton? Now that would be a documentary worth watching....

  • Comment posted by boston12, at 17:53 13 Apr

    At least Luton gave us a harder match than Man Utd.

    • Reply posted by Soccerfooty, at 18:12 13 Apr

      Soccerfooty replied:
      Well Luton are a bigger and better team than United, so it was to be expected.

  • Comment posted by lovefootball, at 17:05 13 Apr

    Nunez is ineffective and gives away ball easily resulting in a goal. Always seeking glory for self more than team

    • Reply posted by Footy_fan, at 17:13 13 Apr

      Footy_fan replied:
      Agreed - hasn’t really shone in City colours. Expect him to be shipped off come end of the season

  • Comment posted by CityWillDoMe1966, at 17:06 13 Apr

    Happy St Beneathus Day!

    • Reply posted by Name, at 17:38 13 Apr

      Name replied:
      Thank god Man City could cope without Rodri. I was a bit worried with their paper thin squad. Sending thoughts and prayers to Pep as he figures our this dilemma. If only he had some funds to spend on a replacement

  • Comment posted by This name is awaiting moderation, at 17:53 13 Apr

    Went to the game and the away end atmosphere was electric and even though we lost it was a great experience as I have never been here for a match

    • Reply posted by Nationalise now, at 17:56 13 Apr

      Nationalise now replied:
      Meanwhile the home end was quiet, sparsely populated and had less atmosphere than a library.

  • Comment posted by Farhan, at 17:40 13 Apr

    I wonder who rated Manchester City players. I don't agree because Doku had really a great game 👏 and should have been awarded player of the match or at least 2nd best player

    • Reply posted by Steve, at 18:31 13 Apr

      Steve replied:
      He is easily POTM on the bluemoon fan website.

  • Comment posted by User0921224906, at 17:01 13 Apr

    I do feel bad for Luton Town, but a well-taken goal by Barkley. As for the rotation? Finally Pep rotates Rodri and guess what? Man City are still insanely good. Other than the silly mistake by Nunes, Man City continue to be the team that needs to be feared(not Arsenal, to all you delusional Gooners), and as a Bayern fan, please don't torture us with red-hot pokers(World Class players)

    • Reply posted by Armchair Blue, at 17:05 13 Apr

      Armchair Blue replied:
      Thank you for a constructive and pleasant comment.

  • Comment posted by Lord Pep, at 17:02 13 Apr

    Good to see improvement on our goal difference. Result was always known for this fixture.

  • Comment posted by Chris Miles , at 18:23 13 Apr

    For me Kovacic was MotM. Never misplaced a pass all game, dictated the tempo and did well defensively when required and of course smashed one in the roof of the net. A top class player.

    • Reply posted by Shaibu , at 18:52 13 Apr

      Shaibu replied:
      He underperformed at Chelsea.

  • Comment posted by ClassAct, at 19:50 13 Apr

    Nice one City👍 I don't even like ya but anything that puts a dent in Varpool is a positive😌

    • Reply posted by Desdemona, at 22:50 13 Apr

      Desdemona replied:
      Rather sad!

  • Comment posted by Finkelstein, at 17:50 13 Apr

    Huge respect to Luton as they give it their all again and again despite having so many players injured and having such limited resources. They are unlucky to play the best team in Europe at this time as the run-in for the PL title is now in full force. Again Kevin De Bruyne conducts the orchestra with a peerless display and goals from all over the team. City now on a charge.

    • Reply posted by DomQuixote, at 17:58 13 Apr

      DomQuixote replied:
      *city now on 115 charges

  • Comment posted by lovefootball, at 17:09 13 Apr

    Nunez doesn’t fit in city team. Best to offload him back to wolves

    • Reply posted by imado, at 17:11 13 Apr

      imado replied:
      Paqueta as well, will be another waste of money.

  • Comment posted by The cruyff way-ed, at 17:40 13 Apr

    Even when we were 5-1
    You could see PEP demanding more of his players,
    Even the league Two rated star saw the back of the net,
    Jeremy was such a handful, deservedly handed man of the match.

    • Reply posted by D1713191168340, at 17:43 13 Apr

      D1713191168340 replied:
      Kovacic was given MoM

  • Comment posted by nick1960, at 18:30 13 Apr

    Thought Kovovic was outstanding today,and full credit to the Luton fans,they brought a good number up and gave there team good vocal support,and good banter on the team getting there,as someone said we’re hitting good form now and Real on Wednesday hopefully our firm should see us through

As It Stood

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Man City32227376324473
2Arsenal31225475245171
3Liverpool31218272304271
4Aston Villa32186866491760
5Tottenham32186865491660
6Newcastle321551269521750
7Man Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham32139105256-448
9Chelsea30128105552344
10Brighton321111105250244
11Wolves32127134651-543
12Bournemouth32119124757-1042
13Fulham32116154751-439
14Brentford3388174758-1132
15Crystal Palace3179153654-1830
16Everton3198143242-1027
17Nottm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheff Utd3237223084-5416
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