Man City earns big win over Luton despite rotating squad. Newcastle routs Tottenham at home again

LONDON (AP) — With some of Manchester City’s regular starters rested, Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic made sure the defending champion didn’t miss a beat in the English Premier League title race.

Kovacic and Doku scored in the second half as Man City pulled away for a comfortable 5-1 win over relegation-threatened Luton on Saturday despite manager Pep Guardiola perhaps having one eye on Wednesday’s game against Real Madrid.

Gaurdiola rested a handful of players — including key midfielder Rodri — but saw the replacements fill in convincingly. Kovacic made it 2-0 in the 51st with a thunderous strike from the edge of the area, while Doku earned the penalty that led to the third goal, scored the fourth himself and assisted on the fifth.

“You cannot play the same people (in every game), it is impossible,” Guardiola said. “Everyone has permission to score and it’s so important.”