Manchester City head to the Premier League summit despite resting top guns

Rodri has finally been granted the rest he so desperately needed. The dependable Spanish maestro, who has maintained an unbeaten streak in his last 66 appearances for club and country over the past year, rarely falls victim to injuries or illnesses. However, the relentless schedule has undeniably started to take its toll on the Manchester City talisman.

In a public declaration on Tuesday, Rodri voiced his need for a respite. Yet, for manager Pep Guardiola, fulfilling this request is no easy task. City have suffered three league defeats this season, and interestingly, they all occurred during Rodri's suspension. It's no wonder Guardiola constantly relies on him.

Nevertheless, Rodri's wish was granted on Saturday. Guardiola gave him and five other key players much-needed time off. As City sought to fashion the perfect game between two pivotal Champions League encounters against Real Madrid, a resounding 5-1 triumph over Luton proved to be an exemplary outcome.

City unleashed an astonishing 37 shots in this match, marking their highest tally in a Premier League game since March 2015 when they faced West Bromwich Albion. There was a slight concern that they might struggle to add to their early opener, which came as early as the second minute. Despite amassing 26 shots before Mateo Kovacic thundered in his first Premier League goal for the club, City finally found their scoring touch.

Erling Haaland, who initially struggled to find his rhythm, notched his 20th league goal of the season from the penalty spot. Shortly after, Haaland and the returning Kevin de Bruyne, who had recovered from illness, were substituted to ovations from spectators mere moments before Ross Barkley netted a consolation goal for Luton. The rout continued as Jeremy Doku weaved through the Luton defense and fired into the far corner before Josko Gvardiol completed the comprehensive victory.

The most significant pay-off from this huge win, beyond the fact that it catapults City two points clear of Arsenal and Liverpool, who are set to compete on Sunday, is the long-overdue rest bestowed upon the star players who bear the burden of expectations until the end of the season in June. This respite is crucial, considering the high hopes pinned on them. Additionally, Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake's return to the substitutes' bench was a welcome sight. 

Apart from Rodri, influential figures like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish were given a well-deserved break and they did not feature in this particular match. Moreover, John Stones, despite being omitted from the squad due to minor concerns, is expected to recuperate in time for the upcoming showdown against Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Later in the day, Manchester United's hopes of securing a spot in the Champions League for the next season suffered another blow. Despite Bruno Fernandes' impressive brace, United could only manage a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. With just a point gained from the match, United remains 10 points behind both Aston Villa and Tottenham in the race for a top-four finish. Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest managed to inch one point clear of the relegation zone following a thrilling 2-2 draw against Wolves.