Without Haaland, Foden has unlocked the best position

After years of Manchester City fans pleading for Phil Foden to be given a chance in the middle, he has gradually moved into the middle, either from the wide areas or close to someone like Bernardo Silva or Rico Lewis as a number eight. He has looked good as a second number 10 coming in from the right, though his influence has decreased as injuries and suspensions have hampered City’s midfield protection behind him.

Foden was a definite number 10 at Luton Town, with a solid foundation of Rodri and Mateo Kovacic behind him. With Haaland out, Bernardo came inside at times, while Julian Alvarez was pushed into attack. The Norwegian’s injury will undoubtedly weaken City, but it may bring out the best in Foden and Alvarez. The latter appeared to like the number nine role more, while Foden also thrived on the turn in the space between midfield and attack, as evidenced by his contribution in City’s second goal.

He was City’s finest attacker and generated the majority of the Blues’ opportunities, frequently racing beyond Alvarez into space. That is impossible for him to do with Haaland continually on the defender’s shoulder. City will be hoping that Haaland’s injury is not as serious as it appears, but it may bring out the best in Foden.

Alvarez is under pressure as a result of Haaland’s absence

Alvarez appeared to be in severe need of a rest at Aston Villa. He failed to fill the chasm and was unable to furnish Haaland. To put it frankly, he appeared to be the player who had only three weeks off in 23 months due to his move from Argentina and World Cup exploits. City may need him more than ever now, just as he may need to miss a game or two.

With Haaland suffering from a ‘bone stress reaction’ in his foot, the chances of a rapid recovery don’t sound promising. Alvarez started in his preferred offensive position at Luton, relishing the opportunity to rush past the defense, and looks certain to continue in that capacity for as long as Haaland is absent. On a promising afternoon, his assist for the winner was a welcome comeback.

Without Haaland, he has obvious goalscoring pressure, but it’s an opportunity to prove Pep Guardiola why he was signed in the first place during a run in the team. It could be the chance he’s been looking for, and that will outweigh any need for a break.

After the Villa disaster, the midfield has really improved

In Rodri’s absence, City lost to Aston Villa after sacrificing the midfield by not fielding any midfielders. Because the bench was sparse, when Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes came on, they surrendered their only strikers.

Rodri was back at Luton (as was Jack Grealish), and Kovacic took over for John Stones. City had infinitely more control in the middle, and Foden had more freedom to attack as the number 10 knowing he had two defensive-minded players behind him. Bernardo went inside to help.

It was just more balanced, and as a result, City’s performance was more balanced. They could maintain offensive pressure and ball possession significantly better, remaining composed even when Luton scored just before halftime. It came as no surprise that a more seasoned starting XI with players playing in their natural position produced the City performance that fans have come to expect. Bernardo and Grealish, the treble champions, scored just when City needed them.

Kovacic produced his greatest performance since his Arsenal debacle and subsequent injury, assisting Rodri and connecting with Foden and Alvarez. Guardiola stated that the Croatia international and Nunes would play major roles in the future, which felt justified in Kovacic’s situation. He looks better alongside Rodri, as do the majority of his colleagues, and City will be hoping Rodri avoids any additional suspensions.

Grealish stands up to take command

Grealish has had an unusual season. He’s attempting to prove himself once more in the midst of Jeremy Doku’s arrival, putting himself as the control while Doku brings the mayhem. Fans – and Guardiola – may choose Doku as the more entertaining alternative, but Grealish could see more minutes as the season advances.

With Doku again out, Grealish, who had returned from suspension, provided the much-needed control that City lacked against Aston Villa. It wasn’t a flawless effort, but it kept Luton at bay for long stretches.

Grealish will slow down attacks while maintaining pressure, whereas Doku may give possession more frequently, allowing the opposition to counter or conserve. Grealish brought some much-needed calm to a game that had all the ingredients for an upset, with City’struggling’ and four games without a win.

Luton Town fans mocked him and vehemently disputed every decision that went against them, singing ‘2-1 to the referee’ in the second half. But it was Grealish’s second goal of the season and controlled effort that turned a 1-0 half-time deficit into a well-earned victory.

Gvardiol’s eclectic afternoon

Despite a shaky performance against Aston Villa, Josko Gvardiol was retained at left-back, with Nathan Ake returning to the team. Manu Akanj was replaced at centre-back by Ake, and Gvardiol maintained his hold on the full-back position.

Gvardiol was once again targeted by his opposite winger and looked less than impressive playing one-on-one. This was a game where he was allowed more freedom to attack, and there were some nice touches and driving runs on an afternoon when he spent as much time attacking as defending.

But did he assist? He got in the way of Grealish at times, miscontrolled at others, and looked like a centre-back who was asked to play as a winger at moments. There was also a foul throw-in in front of Guardiola, which is never good, and Luton had plenty of room on his side for their goal.

Gvardiol will improve as he adjusts to his new role, and it’s apparent he has a place at City for the next ten years if he wants it. He’ll get better, and this wasn’t a bad performance, but it’s revealing that he was the first to go as City attempted to defend their lead.