Man City find their man for the small moments – and he could decide the title race

Luton rarely find themselves sandwiched by Real Madrid but it may have made the relegation-threatened side the ideal opponents for this weekend, giving Guardiola a chance to rest, rotate, relax and return to the summit of the division with the supporting cast playing starring roles.

This was sealed with a flourish, Doku weaving through the Luton defence and placing a shot in the far corner and then teeing up Josko Gvardiol for a second long-range goal with his right foot in as many matches.

Yet while Guardiola’s side were ahead after 66 seconds and the result never in doubt, it was not until the 28th of their 37 shots that a City player found the net, albeit after Daiki Hashioka had added to his list of inadvertent interventions in the quest for glory.

It stemmed from an axis who unlocked Luton in the FA Cup: Kevin de Bruyne, who recorded four assists then, releasing Haaland for a shot that was saved, while Doku’s subsequent effort was blocked by Alfie Doughty.

With Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake on the bench, City’s defensive injuries are easing, even though John Stones was absent, deemed not fully fit.

The major changes to the starting 11 came in midfield with Rodri granted the rest he requested, joined on the bench by Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.