Esteemed Kompany host Steven Mcinerney looks at 5 things we learned from Manchester City’s 6-2 win over Luton Town earlier this week. The FA Cup holders booked their place in the quarter-finals of the competition with the win. It also sees Pep Guardiola’s side head into this weekend’s derby against Manchester United with several key players in fine form.
Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne are a cheat code
City’s win at Kenilworth Road saw Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne star in the win. Haaland bagged 5 goals on the night with 4 of them being provided by Kevin De Bruyne. When the pair are in that kind of form they are devastating and Luton Town couldn’t handle Manchester City’s dynamic duo.
Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland have now combined 16 times for goals during their time together at Manchester City. It is a lethal combination for Pep Guardiola’s side and when they are on their game like they were against Luton they are impossible to stop.
The development of Matheus Nunes
Manchester City’s Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes has shown signs of his game developing in recent games. He has played on both wings in City’s last two wins and his playing style does tend to lend itself to a wing role in Pep Guardiola’s side.
With Jack Grealish again injured Nunes may get the chance to further his game starting this weekend against Manchester United. Matheus Nunes has taken time to adjust to life at Manchester City but it is apparent he has the quality to make a mark at the Etihad.
John Stones can fill Rodri’s shoes when required
A standout feature of the win over Luton Town was the performance of John Stones. With Rodri rested for what lies ahead Stones showed he is capable of stepping into Rodri’s role.
Manchester City do tend to struggle when Rodri is unavailable but a fully fit John Stones does provide an alternative to City’s midfield lynchpin.
With Grealish injured who will play on the left wing?
One sour note from Manchester City’s win at Kenilworth Road was the injury picked up by Jack Grealish. The England international went off with a groin injury just before halftime.
With the world champions facing a crunch block of fixtures beginning this weekend, it will be interesting to see who steps in on the left wing. Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes and Oscar Bobb are all options for the role. How Pep Guardiola replaces Grealish is something to watch for in the coming games.
The win over Luton Town was a refreshing change to the tense 1-nil wins
City’s win over Luton was a pleasant change to the tense 1-nil wins over Bournemouth and Brentford in City’s previous games. The hosts were determined to take the game to the world champions and ultimately were picked apart as Manchester City had space to play in and took full advantage of that. It was a typical FA Cup tie and a game that was an entertaining spectacle.
It likely won’t be a common sight at the back end of the season but it was refreshing to see Manchester City play in such a manner before the tension resumes this weekend.
Summary
Steven Mcinerney gives his thoughts on 5 things we learned from City’s 6-2 win over Luton Town in the video below.
A repeat performance in this weekend’s derby against Manchester United at the Etihad would be a great sight for City fans.
