Jack the reaper!

Haaland-less City ride on Grealish’s second-half strike to rally from a goal down to beat Luton Town 2-1

Jack Grealish ensured Manchester City ended their four-game winless run as the Premier League champions survived a scare from Luton in their 2-1 victory on Sunday. 

With star striker Erling Haaland absent due to injury, Pep Guardiola’s side trailed to Elijah Adebayo’s goal late in the first half at Kenilworth Road.

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Two goals in three minutes

But, after squandering a host of chances, City finally clicked into gear with two goals in three minutes after the break. Silva equalised and Grealish bagged the winner to give City a much-needed first victory in five league matches.

After their lethargic 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Wednesday, which followed draws with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, City were in danger of falling out of the title race. Liverpool’s win at Crystal Palace on Saturday had moved the leaders seven points clear of City. 

A gritty display

But fourth-placed City responded with a gritty display to close the gap on Liverpool to four points. City still have work to do to regain control of their bid for an unprecedented fourth successive top-flight title and Haaland’s fitness scare could not have come at a worse time. Haaland, who had started all of City’s league matches this season, was sidelined with a foot injury that could impact his availability for the treble winners’ hectic Christmas schedule. 

City boss Pep Guardiola said Haaland, who has 19 goals this season, noticed the injury after Wednesday’s defeat at Aston Villa. Guardiola will be sweating on his fitness with City travelling to the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia before returning for the busy festive programme. Despite their lowly position, Luton have been a tough proposition at home on their return to the top-flight after a 31-year absence. They drew 1-1 with Liverpool, who needed a late equaliser to avoid defeat, and came within seconds of a point against Arsenal, before losing 4-3 on Tuesday. 

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