Menang Telak Lawan Luton, Man City Rebut Puncak Klasemen

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland celebrated a goal in the match against Luton Town. (X/@ManCity)

JAKARTA - Manchester City finally won the top of the English Premier League standings. In a duel at home at the Etihad Stadium, Saturday, April 13, 2024 evening WIB, Man City won 5-1 over Luton Town.

Man City had to work hard before overcoming Luton's resistance. Although they had immediately taken the lead when the game had only been running for two minutes due to an own goal, Man City had difficulty increasing the lead.

Pep Guardiola's team finally only got to add goals in the second half. Including the penalty scored by striker Erling Haaland.

The victory made Man City displace Arsenal and Liverpool. After waiting for a week, The Cityzen finally had the opportunity to take over the throne in the standings.

Hanya, Man City berharap Liverpool yang menghadapi Crystal Palace dan Arsenal yang mempromah Aston Villa kehilangan poin sehingga gagal meraih posisi puncak.

Currently, Man City has a 73 point. Winning two points with Arsenal and Liverpool. More than that, Man City is already ahead of the goal difference with Liverpool. But if both teams win, then Man City is forced to take the throne.

Meanwhile, Luton is getting worse in the relegation zone. They remain ranked 18th with 25. One point adrift with Nottingham Forest who is ranked 17.

In that duel, Man City did not appear with the best squad. Guardiola rotated the players by backing up Rodri, Phil Foden and Nathan Ake.

In addition, defender Kyle Walker has recovered from injury and sits on the bench. Likewise midfielder Jack Grealish did not immediately play.

Although the full team did not play, Man Citymash was too strong for Luton. The game had only been running for two minutes, they were already ahead because of Daiki Hashikoka's own goal.

But after winning, Man City could not add a goal. Winning the ball up to 70% did not allow them to break into the Luton goal. Until the end of the first half, the score remained 1-0 for the hosts.

In the second half, Man City got crazy. They attacked the total which made Luton only survive. But Man City still had trouble scoring goals.

The deadlock was finally broken by Mateo Kovacic who broke into Luton's goal in the 64th minute. He successfully completed Julian Alvarez's cross

Winning 2-0 made Man City more relaxed. Moreover, striker Erling Haaland managed to strengthen his advantage from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.

The penalty was given after Fred Onyedinma brought down winger Jeremy Doku in the restricted area. The referee pointed to the spot and Haaland was able to finish it.

Luton was finally able to reduce the lag. The visitors' goal was produced by Ross Barkley who took advantage of Matheus Nunes's mistake in the 82nd minute. The score changed to 3-1.

But Man City is unstoppable. Only five minutes later, Man City added a goal. This time, Doku finished the assist from Josko Gvardiol

Next, it was Doku's turn to pass Gvardiol to score in the 90+3 minute. The score changed to 5-1 for Man City and lasted until the end of the match.

This was Man City's good capital before facing Real Madrid in the second quarter of the Champions League final.