The incentive was there – win the game and City would move to the top of the Premier League table.

With Liverpool and Arsenal both playing on Sunday, Saturday’s 15:00 (UK) kick-off offered Pep Guardiola’s men the opportunity to climb to the summit ahead of the Reds and the Gunners.

Standing in our way was Luton Town, fighting for survival at the other end of the table.

Our top-flight away game, at Kenilworth Road, in December 2023, offered perspective on what a tough encounter we were in for against the promoted side managed by Rob Edwards.

The Hatters were actually ahead at the break in that pre-festive fixture courtesy of a powerful Elijah Adebayo header but goals from Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish in the second half gave us the victory.

With points at a premium as we eye a record-breaking fourth title in succession, another win was paramount as we headed back to our beloved Etihad.

CITY+ subscribers can see how we got on in the video player above.