Mateo Kovacic makes Premier League title prediction

Mateo Kovacic makes Man City Premier League title prediction amid Arsenal and Liverpool battle

Mateo Kovacic has had his say on the Premier League title race after the champions thrashed Luton 5-1 to keep the pressure on Arsenal and Liverpool

14 Apr 2024, 13:30 by Bruna Reis · football.london

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic admits that the Premier League title run-in will be a test of nerve. The champions maintained their pressure on Arsenal and Liverpool at the top of the league with a resounding 5-1 victory over relegation-threatened Luton Town.

The Etihad club now have just six games remaining of what has been an enthralling title race. After scoring City's second goal in a dominant performance at the Etihad Stadium, Kovacic said: "It's amazing, it's entertaining. Three amazing teams doing great. It will be tough until the end and let's see who will have the strongest nerves until the end.

"It was important to keep the pressure on them but we are focused on ourselves, to win our games and then in the end we'll see what happens."

Despite dominating against the Hatters, City were fortunate to take the lead after just two minutes when Erling Haaland's acrobatic volley deflected off Daiki Hashioka into the net for an unfortunate own goal. Perhaps with the upcoming Champions League clash against Real Madrid in mind, City played at a slow pace until Kovacic doubled the lead with a powerful strike in the 64th minute.

Haaland then added a penalty and the hosts finished strongly with further goals from Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol, despite Ross Barkley grabbing a consolation goal.

"We kept going, doing our job and in the end scoring five goals," Kovacic added. "It could have been even more but we are happy with the three points. We have to keep going now."

"We approach every game focused, to be 100 per cent and do our best. I think this game was as important as Wednesday. We need to keep the same focus and try to win."

Despite his team being outclassed and stuck in the relegation zone, Luton manager Rob Edwards was not downhearted and remained confident of Premier League survival. Edwards said: "This game was never going to derail us, whatever happened.

"The supporters have been incredible all season long, home and away. They are all behind the players and me and that is really special. It gives me belief.

"The players and the staff give me that belief as well and we know we are capable of winning the next five games. I'm not saying we're going to win them all but we feel we can win enough games.

"We have got three home games and I think it is difficult for any team to come to Kenilworth Road. We are up for this challenge."

Arsenal could return to the top of the Premier League table with a win over Aston Villa at the Emirates, this afternoon.