Manchester City's Jack Grealish applauds the fans following victory in the Premier League match at Kenilworth Road, Luton. Picture date: Sunday December 10, 2023.

Luton 1-2 Man City: The champions prevail without Erling Haaland thanks to changes in the game made by Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish.

Benjamin Bull December 10, 2023

0 1 5 minutes read

Manchester City defeated Luton 2-1 after coming from behind, demonstrating their champions’ resilience and earning their first Premier League victory in a month.

With Erling Haaland sidelined due to a bone injury, the treble winners arrived to Kenilworth Road on a run of four straight league games without a victory. Elijah Adebayo’s goal just before halftime gave Luton the chance to pull off the biggest shock of all time in the top division.

However, without their leading scorer, Haaland, City squandered ten first-half opportunities. However, after the break, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish struck twice in three second-half minutes to completely change the course of the match.

Additionally, despite a slight setback to their title chances in recent weeks, City persevered to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to just four points.

Pep Guardiola, the manager of City, disclosed what he told his players at halftime to turn the tide. He claimed that he took advantage of their doubters to lead his side to a victory comeback.

“Do we have to feel sorry for ourselves? It’s football, life, it happens,” he said when revealing what his half-time team talk.

“Strikers, be more aggressive and score goals. Defend better the crosses and be more positive.\

“They don’t need to prove what they are capable of, they are an extraordinary group of players. But in general, it’s normal.

“[Critics say] City is not the same, it’s over. Let them prove us wrong. Let’s prove that we want to be there. I said that on Friday, we need to live that.”

How City turned the game around

Without Haaland, Man City attempted to demonstrate their attacking intent early on. Bernardo released Phil Foden in the opening minutes, but Thomas Kaminski stopped the shot before the Portuguese missed the rebound.

Rodri and Foden both stung Kaminski’s fingertips from the outside of the box as City advanced, and Julian Alvarez missed a close-range opportunity when Grealish found him in the box.

Andros Townsend’s effort from the edge of the box gave Luton hope as the first half progressed, but the hosts’ first goal arrived just before halftime.

After shoving Bernardo off the ball, Ross Barkley found Alfie Doughty on the right side. Townsend was set up by the Luton full-back for a cross, which Adebayo headed in at the far post.

Following the halftime whistle, when City manager Pep Guardiola was observed arguing with the referees, City waited patiently to get back into the match.

Ruben Dias had a great opportunity to score, but Kaminski made an incredible save to tip the ball onto the bar.

However, City’s equalizer ultimately arrived when Bernardo curled the ball into the far corner after Rodri crashed into the area and was denied by a sliding challenge.

The game was completely changed within three minutes. As Luton yelled “handball” at the Argentine, Alvarez won the ball high up the pitch, raced down the right, and crossed into the box.

Grealish scored easily after Tedem Mengi dallied at the far post.

Barkley turned on the edge of the area and blasted just wide, prompting Luton to attempt an immediate counterattack. And following forward Jacob Brown of Luton’s escape from a red card for a strong challenge on Foden, City finished the match with composure and skill. That’s how winners behave.

Pep: We fought like we always did

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to Sky Sports:

“The way we have been playing this season has been good in most of the games. I try to analyse that but we need Bernardo to put the ball in the goal – we needed it. They fought like we’ve always done.

“It was important for belief. People have said it’s over but we want to make them wrong and to believe the season is not over. Will we be there? It depends on us and how we perform.

“There are patterns that we never lose. We played an exceptional first half but conceded a big punch at the end of the half.

“We spoke about how to react and that’s what the big teams and big personalities react in the difficulties. In the second half we didn’t play as well but we scored the goals.”

Edwards: We’re changing narrative of Luton

LUTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 10: Rob Edwards, Manager of Luton Town, applauds the fans after the team’s defeat during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Manchester City at Kenilworth Road on December 10, 2023 in Luton, England.

Luton manager Rob Edwards:

“I’m proud of the players but disappointed. I felt like it was there for us. I had a really good feeling going into the game, with all respect of Man City and who they are, but credit to them for finding a way.

“When goal went in, I thought it was our day. But I’m disappointed with goals conceded. We were so brave, and aggressive against a top team. We’re capable of that. But we showed quality, the goal was an example of that. You cannot give the ball back to Man City [like we did], or you die a slow death.

“My job is to concentrate on performances. We can’t control the wins, draws and losses. If I could, I would be selling it and a wealthy man. If we continue to play like this week, we can achieve something special this year.

“We know the fight we’re in, but I love the way the team is going, how hard they’re working for each other. We’re changing the narrative of Luton Town Football Club. But we need to pick up the points.”

Analysis: Time for Luton to be more than lucky losers

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz at Kenilworth Road:

Conceding stoppage time goals against Liverpool and Arsenal cost them three points – the Hatters doubled that tally by conceding two quickfire goals while on top.

So for the third time this season, Rob Edwards’ side were clapped off as unlucky losers after taking a ‘Big Six’ club the distance.

Nobody expected Luton to get any points from the three games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City – let alone the one point they have. But they need to start producing results, rather than performances.

With Everton and Bournemouth winning over the weekend, there are fewer teams for Luton to drag into this relegation fight. Now they face Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Burnley in their next four games. These are crucial times for Luton.\

WHAT NEXT?

On Saturday, December 16, Luton travels to Bournemouth. Start time is 3 p.m.

In the Champions League, Manchester City has clinched the top spot in Group G, and they will travel to Crvena Zvezda on Wednesday, December 13. Start time is 4:45 p.m.

On Saturday, December 16, City will play Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Start time is 3 p.m.