Manchester City produced a second-half performance to avoid a shock defeat and claim their first win in five games.
The champions were missing Erling Haaland and Jérémy Doku through injury when they entered the match but dominated the game from the start as Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski had to make good saves to deny Phil Foden and Rodri.
For all of City’s first-half dominance, the home side took a shock lead into the break with the last kick of the half.
Andros Townsend’s challenging cross flew over the heads of the City defenders and landed to Elijah Adebayo who nodded past Ederson to send Kenilworth Road into a frenzy.
But City scored twice in three minutes midway through the second period to turn the game on its head as Bernardo Silva curled a beautiful strike into the bottom far corner after the ball broke to him just inside the area.
The turnaround was completed three minutes after the equalizer when Julian Álvarez’s low cross hit the back post where Jack Grealish powered home.
Ross Barkley went close with a long-range effort as Luton pushed for an equaliser, but City held on to claim a much-needed win – their first in the league since November 4 – as they moved to within four points of leaders Liverpool.
Man City Player Rating
1. Ederson- 6- Could do little about Luton’s goal but made a good stop to keep out Townsend’s first-half strike.
2. Kyle Walker- 6– Put in some good crosses and prevented Luton from creating many chances down their left flank.
3. Ruben Dias- 4 – Had a few awkward defensive moments, including for the Luton goal, as he failed to track Adebayo’s run.
4. Nathan Ake- 7- Started at left-back but pushed inside. The Dutchman won some important headers in the City box.
5. Josko Gvardiol- 5 – Defended well in the main, although he could have done better to close down Towsend’s cross for the Luton goal. The Croat didn’t offer a lot going forward.
6. Rodri- 7- Saw a lot of the ball and helped City retain control of proceedings. Rodri also carried a threat going forward and snuffed out a few Luton chances from the base of midfield.
7. Mateo Kovacic- 5- Added energy to the middle and provided a few penetrative runs through Luton’s midfield.
8. Phil Foden- 6- Saw two excellent first-half shots saved by Kaminski. Foden played in centrally and regularly got on the ball and drove through midfield.
9. Bernardo Silva- 7 – Had a quiet first half but was significantly better after the break and popped up with a vital goal just after the hour. Silva rarely conceded possession and put in a real defensive shift.
10. Julian Alvarez- 6- Not at his best and didn’t see a huge amount of the ball, as Alvarez replaced Erling Haaland up front. But Alvarez set up Grealish’s goal and went close with a shot late on.
11. Jack Grealish- 6- Pushed inside from the left flank. City’s no.10 helped the team retain possession but some his passes in the final third were too often safe. The winger also netted the winning goal.
Leave a comment