PLAYER RATINGS: Luton’s backline endure a torrid afternoon at the Etihad – as livewire Jeremy Doku returns to deliver attacking masterclass… but which £50m Man City star underwhelmed?

Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League – if only briefly – with a 5-1 victory over Luton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The English champions currently sit two points behind leaders Arsenal and Liverpool, with both teams facing Aston Villa and Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

The Triple Crown winners got off to a quick start, with Erling Haaland’s shot from inside the box hitting Luton defender Daiki Hashioka in the face and into the net. Mateo Kovacic doubled the lead in the second half with a shot into the Luton goal from just outside the penalty area.

Luton’s Ross Barkley took advantage of a mistake by summer signing Matheus Nunez in the 81st minute as Haaland shot the ball from the penalty spot. However, City were in control at this point, with Jeremy Doku, back in the starting lineup, putting in an impressive individual performance and scoring a late goal. He returned shortly after and sealed a 5-1 victory with a powerful shot from defender Josko Gvardiol.

Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt rates the players after the thrilling game at the Etihad Stadium.

Should have been charged the price for admission. All he had to do was watch. Decent distribution on one of his quietest days at work.

Josko Gvardiol – 7.5

Had an early sight of goal when he stung the palms of Kaminski and he looks in the mood going forward. Good idea, too, given Luton offered nothing for him to worry about defensively. Had to wait until stoppage time for his goal. 

Ruben Dias – 7

Went down looking for a penalty but got no sympathy from referee John Brookes during a dominant first half. A great leader for this side in what is a season-defining week.

Manuel Akanji – 6.5

Dependable, as he always is. Calm and composed – but didn’t have a lot to do.

Rico Lewis – 7

READ MORE: This was the game for Pep Guardiola to take risks as Man City juggle another Treble tilt… how his afternoon unfolded against Luton could not have been more perfect, writes JACK GAUGHAN

Slotting in at right back, it was a good tussle between him and Tahith Chong. Got forward at every opportunity. Glides past players effortlessly and home fans love him for it.

Mateo Kovacic – 7.5

With Rodri given the day off as he watched this one from the bench, it was down to the Croatian to anchor the midfield. Served up a stunning goal on the half volley right into the top corner. A stunner.

Matheus Nunes – 6

Should have done much better when played through on goal early in the second half, only to lose his footing at the crucial moment. His loose touch at the other end allowed Barkley to score. 

Jeremy Doku – 8.5

Man of the match no doubt. He’s a constant livewire with his electric pace and he never gave Fred Onyedinma a moment’s peace. Won the penalty for Haaland to score, then finished off a sublime mazy run of his own. Still had time to tee up Gvardiol in the final stages for 5-1. 

Kevin De Bruyne – 8

Looked a class apart as Luton camped themselves on the edge of their own box in the early stages. Some of his through balls were sublime. Booked and was one of the first Guardiola wanted to get off and rested. 

Julian Alvarez – 6

A continuing source of frustration for his decision-making in the final third. Seems like every bright moment is quickly followed up by one that leaves you scratching your head in bewilderment. Did deliver the pin-point cross for Kovacic’s goal, though.

Erling Haaland – 6.5

Should have scored moments before he leathered one into the face of Daiki Hashioka for the opening goal. Quiet game by his standards but was cool as you like from the penalty spot.

Manager: Pep Guardiola – 8

LUTON TOWN (4-3-3)

Thomas Kaminski – 6

In truth, he could do nothing about the goals but it was his strong keeping that kept it at 1-0 at the break. On paper this is a hammering but Kaminiski did well to stop it from being worse. 

Alfie Doughty – 6

He made a huge block to deny Doku moments before City got the opening goal. At the other end he was afforded precious few opportunities to whip the ball into the area.

Reece Burke – 5.5

Was caught napping in the opening seconds when he was left in Haaland’s rear view mirrors. Helped when Luton settled into a rigid shape with everyone behind the ball.

Daiki Hashioka – 5.5

Had his head in his hands two minutes in and not because it was a mistake – more so because he’d been smashed in the face by the ball as his own goal made it 1-0.

Fred Onyedinma – 5

Never the easiest assignment when you get lumbered with the pace of Doku and he ended up falling foul when he gave away a penalty.

Should have had an assist to his name when Woodrow smacked his cut-back onto the crossbar.

Luke Berry – 5

Largely a non-factor in this one. City overwhelmed Luton in what was a backs-against-the-wall type of performance.

Ross Barkley – 6.5

Should have been booked for a cynical tug of Ederson’s arm when the City goalkeeper went to take a goal-kick.

Finished well as he capitalised on Nunes’ poor touch on the edge of his box. 

Jordan Clark – 5

Game completely passed him by. If Luton are to stay up there are more games that he will be able to influence than this one.

Andros Townsend – 5.5

First to be withdrawn by Rob Edwards as he looked to inject some life into his team. That shouldn’t be an indictment on Townsend, although his influence on proceedings was slim to none.

Carlton Morris – 6

Won a couple of early flick-ons but as the most advanced player he was left to chase onto them himself.

Tahith Chong – 6.5

One of few players who actually looked capable of dragging Luton up the pitch. If Luton end up going down he shouldn’t be short of suitors.

Manager: Rob Edwards – 6

SUBS

Cauley Woodrow (for Andros Townsend, 59) – 6