da leao： Pep Guardiola has praised Josko Gvardiol following his performance for Manchester City against Luton Town.

da dobrowin： Article continues below

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City beat Luton 5-1Gvardiol records a goal and assistGuardiola praises the defenderWHAT HAPPENED?

The Croatian international was a stand-out performer during the 5-1 win for City, as he recorded a goal and assist from left-back. After City opened the scoring in the opening stages of the game, thanks to an own-goal from Daiki Hashioka, they were left frustrated throughout the rest of the first half. However, the flood gates opened up in the second 45-minutes of action.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

Guardiola, said to : "What a connection we have! Josko with the right foot is unbelievable, he feels more confident with the right foot – when he attacks inside he is a threat.

“Now he is a much better player and he doesn’t lose balls, at the beginning he lost balls.

"Incredible guys [Gvardioal and Mateo Kovacic]. Everyone has permission to score and it’s so important."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

It is a win that has fired City to the top of the Premier League table once again. Last season's treble winners are currently two points clear of Arsenal and Liverpool in the standings, with both teams in action on Sunday. The Gunners will host Champions League chasers Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium while Liverpool will face Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR GVARDIOL?

While Gvardiol and his City team-mates will keep one eye on Sunday's results, they must also focus on the upcoming Champions League second-leg against Real Madrid. The first meeting between the two sides finished 3-3 at the Bernabeu Stadium, where Gvardiol was also on the scoresheet.