Pep Guardiola hailed Kevin De Bruyne’s “generosity” after orchestrating four of Erling Haaland’s five goals in a thumping win over Luton, clinching their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Kevin De Bruyne’s “generosity” was praised by Pep Guardiola as he set up four of Erling Haaland’s five goals to lead Manchester City to a decisive win against Luton at Kenilworth Road and guarantee their place in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
After missing over two months, Haaland made his comeback at the end of January. However, De Bruyne, who was responsible for four of his teammate’s points and had a tremendous creative presence throughout, deserves just as much credit for this 6-2 victory.
In less than three minutes, the two together scored City’s first goal. With a deft reverse pass from Matheus Nunes, the Belgian was released into a path down the left, where Haaland cut the ball back to his left foot and wrapped his boot around it to make it 1-0.
The second was made by the same combination; this time, a pass threaded through the middle was intercepted by Haaland, who managed to evade defender Teden Mengi and crash the ball through Tim Krul’s knees.
Before the half, there was a third goal, and VAR was needed to determine that the Norwegian had managed to stay onside while attempting to reach De Bruyne’s through-ball and chipping the goalie.
Notwithstanding the assault from Haaland, Luton fought valiantly. Rob Edwards’ team had hope as Jordan Clark curled one superbly past Stefan Ortega at the end of the first half. After the interval, the home crowd smelled a historic comeback as Jordan Clark hammered in another at the near post.
It was all of three minutes for them to dream. The fourth goal by Haaland and City was another tap-in from another De Bruyne setup. The ball wriggled through the goalkeeper’s body as the cup holders’ leading scorer ultimately announced the fifth cruel on Krul.
Mateo Kovacic scored his sixth, and with Haaland out of the game for the last few minutes, Luton was able to breathe.
Guardiola remarked, “The players read the game perfectly.” “Everyone contributed, but Kevin and Erling had a wonderful relationship. One game from Wembley and into the quarterfinals, I’m happy.
“Erling needs a man possessing vision, quality, and generosity.” When it comes to goals, Kevin is the less self-centered player. Erling’s mobility is necessary for Kevin. We are aware of their aggressiveness.
“Every pass was executed well. Erling’s ending was excellent. We had two or three more opportunities to score, including a one-on-one match with Krul. Still, the players have a very good read on the game. They executed it flawlessly.
![City's Dual Triumph: Kevin De Bruyne Applauded, Haaland Nets Five 2 Haaland,De Bruyne combine on four goals in Man City win](https://i0.wp.com/prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/107/2024/02/GTY-2043781874.jpg?resize=1000%2C600&ssl=1)
The only thing that worried me was that Erling had been immobilized for two months, unable to move or create anything. It is difficult to regain that rhythm after two months away.
“With each game, he’s improving. Kevin as well. They are gradually returning.”
Haaland concurred, saying to ITV, “We’re coming, it’s coming.” My level of fitness? I’m returning to my best self. I feel good at last. It’s a wonderful sensation. Ahead are exciting days. We are prepared to launch an assault.”
Jack Grealish’s injury right before halftime, which left him distressed, was the only thing that derailed the game for City.
“I didn’t speak to the doctor but I think he was complaining a bit about his groin,” Guardiola added. “Although he felt great, he regrettably got hurt again.
“He’s had a difficult season. When he is well enough to return, he will need to assist us.
Luton manager Edwards thought back on De Bruyne and Haaland’s masterpiece.
“There’s no doubt about it, they were incredible,” he stated. “They performed a great job playing in the area we provided for them. But our boys stuck to the assignment and showed incredible bravery and boldness.
“We’re not going change, we just need to get better, to keep improving.”