BALL ALL BUSINESS FOR CHAMPS

Fast start gets Pep in right spot ahead of Real show

- Simon MULLOCK

AT least Luton Town's fans seem to believe that the 115 charges levelled against Manchester City won't actually stick.

There were 3,000 Hatters housed in the corner of The Etihad's South Stand - and they appeared to be having a rare old tíme teasing the home supporters despite being forced to watch their team being slowly pulled apart by Pep Guardiola's champions.

"Conference champions, you'll never sing that," they chanted, choosing to forget that there are those who would have City playing local derbies against Oldham, Rochdale and Altrincham even before the Premier League commission actually rules on whether the Blues have broken any rules.

It's fair to say that even City fans would also like to know what the Premier League have actually got after an investigation that's now into its fifth year.

At least Luton's travelling support was rewarded for their backing in the 81st minute when the tireless Ross Barkley dispossessed Matheus Nunes, sat Ruben Dias on his backside and fired a shot into the bottom corner of Ederson's goal.

Barkley had earlier sent a shot against the crossbar. But, in truth, this was business as usual for City, despite Guardiola deciding to ring the changes ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League return with Real Madrid.