In what could be seen as Manchester City’s ideal preparation between two Champions League clashes against Real Madrid, they secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Luton at home.
The match began with an early own goal, followed by goals from Mateo Kovacic, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Josko Gvardiol, propelling City to the top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily.
In the post-match news conference, Pep Guardiola highlighted another significant achievement – moving 13 points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.
“We’re close to qualifying for the Champions League,” he said. “People say Pep… [but] no, you have to qualify for the Champions League.
“With Tottenham [losing 4-0 to Newcastle] today, we are closer. The biggest target every season is to qualify for the Champions League next season. We’re closer today.”
Guardiola appeared to be in high spirits after Manchester City secured the top spot in the Premier League table for the first time since November.
He playfully winked at a reporter while claiming to have had a tactical discussion with defender and goalscorer Gvardiol a year ago, even though Gvardiol had not yet joined the club at that time. Guardiola then jokingly stated that he was planning to rest Rodri again for the second leg against Real Madrid, asking, “Do you believe me?”
Rodri had requested a break following Tuesday’s 3-3 draw in the Champions League quarter-final first leg in Madrid. Despite being on the bench in this match, he is expected to start against Real on Wednesday.
John Stones was omitted from the squad, and Phil Foden was among the substitutes, but both are likely to be available for the upcoming game. Ederson returned to the goal after a month out, and captain Kyle Walker was on the bench after a similar period of absence.
City registered 37 shots in the match, their highest in a Premier League game since March 2015 against West Bromwich Albion. Despite their dominance, there was a brief concern that they might not add to their early lead, which came in the second minute. They had 26 shots compared to Luton’s zero before Kovacic scored his first Premier League goal for the team.
“How many times have you seen in world football the team who are better, better, better don’t win the game. Many times,” said Guardiola, who was almost on the pitch shouting instructions to his players at that stage.
“After the second and third [goals], it was OK.”
Despite a slow start and some early misfires, Haaland remained on the pitch long enough to score his 20th Premier League goal of the season from the spot. However, this goal marked only his third in his last eight games for club and country.
Both Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne, who returned from illness, received standing ovations as they left the pitch, just seconds before Ross Barkley scored for Luton.
Manchester City faces another crucial week, with the possibility of losing their top spot if Arsenal or Liverpool win their matches on Sunday. They are set to host Real Madrid on Wednesday and then face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday. Another treble is still within reach, a feat that has never been achieved two seasons in a row.
“We spoke to the players about how incredible it is to be here again,” said the Catalan. “What a privilege. After what we’ve done in previous seasons, we’re still fighting for the Premier League.
“Against Real Madrid we have the chance to qualify for the Champions League semi-final and all the energy our fans will bring – and the FA Cup next Saturday against Chelsea to again reach the final.
“What a privilege. Imagine having no chance of the Premier League or other competitions. Try saying ‘one more week, one more week, one more week’.”
Despite their efforts, Luton remains in the relegation zone after their defeat, with the highlight of their performance being Barkley’s goal, which briefly made it 3-1 for six minutes.
Manager Rob Edwards admitted that his side was “suffocated” by City.
“Today was never going to derail us,” he said. “Nobody likes losing 5-1 but let’s be realistic, they’re way ahead of us. Our back four had one centre-back, one full-back and two wingers.”
He could not pick a title favourite when asked to.
“After we played Arsenal, I thought they were good. City today were good. Liverpool weren’t bad at Anfield either,” he said.
“Today was the hardest game we’ve had all season. It felt like the game was in our third the whole time.
“All three of the teams are so strong. All three of their managers have been respectful and kind. Three amazing teams.”