February 14th, at Kenilworth Road Stadium, Luton
It was a historic day for Luton Town. Hosting a team like Manchester City in the FA Cup Fifth Round—something the club had never achieved before—brought an electric atmosphere to Kenilworth Road. Every minute of the day was part of history in the making.
Although kickoff wasn't until 5 PM, the excitement had begun much earlier. Fans flooded into the stadium from all directions after lunch, their spirits high, treating the occasion like a festival. After Luton's stunning upset against Chelsea in the previous round, hopes were cautiously optimistic—but few believed they could topple another Premier League giant.
The team, led by head coach Ethan, had already written one fairytale chapter. Could they write another? A win here would no longer be a miracle—it would be a statement of true strength. Despite a strong showing in the Championship, many doubted whether Luton had the depth or consistency to truly match Premier League-level opposition.
Still, the intrigue surrounding the match was enough for Sky Sports to broadcast it live. With Manchester City constantly in the headlines due to their massive spending and ambitions, and Luton emerging as the Cinderella story of the competition, the contrast between the two clubs made for a compelling narrative.
Even the weather seemed to celebrate the occasion. A rare sunny winter's day in England made the atmosphere feel more like spring. As Ethan stepped off the team bus, he squinted against the bright sunlight. It was around 15 or 16 degrees Celsius—mild for February—and the warmth had him shedding his wool jacket as he waved to the gathering crowd.
The fans responded with enthusiastic cheers, chanting Ethan's name. In just six months, he had transformed the team and become one of the most respected figures in Luton. The players followed him off the bus, greeted by the same passionate welcome. It was a familiar sight at Kenilworth Road, but today, the energy felt different—bigger.
Meanwhile, in the away dressing room
Manchester City had arrived in good form. Since January, they had played five matches in the Premier League, recording three wins and two losses. While the losses earlier in the month were a concern, the three-match winning streak leading into this game had restored confidence.
In contrast to their winless December, which saw four draws and four defeats, City now appeared relaxed. Laughter echoed from their dressing room at Kenilworth Road.
Manager Mark Hughes was in good spirits. Being in charge of a club like Manchester City—backed by new, wealthy owners from Abu Dhabi—meant not only top-tier wages but also a virtually limitless transfer budget. Since the takeover, City had been aggressive in the market, bringing in big names like Robinho.
Still, Hughes was cautious. He had studied Luton's matches and acknowledged their discipline, tactical organization, and fighting spirit. "This is a well-coached team," he told his players seriously. "Don't let their division fool you. On a good day, they play like a Premier League side. We cannot take them lightly."
"Relax, boss," Robinho grinned. "They're just a second-tier team. As long as we play seriously, they won't stand a chance."
Typical of the Brazilian forward, Robinho was cheerful and confident. Always smiling, always in good humor—he was popular among his teammates, known for his flair on the pitch and his love for nightlife off it.
Though Hughes shared Robinho's confidence deep down, he knew better than to let it show. As a manager, it was his job to prepare for every possibility—including an upset.
"Robby, you have to be careful of their No. 6, Kanté! This Frenchman has incredible defensive ability—he's a real ball-winning machine," Mark Hughes warned.
Robinho had been a key figure at Manchester City, enjoying plenty of possession and scoring a number of goals that season. The former Real Madrid No. 10 was considered the star of the team. His €42 million transfer had made headlines, marking him as the most expensive signing in Premier League history at the time and the crown jewel of that summer's transfer window.
Ironically, Robinho later admitted that he initially believed he was joining Chelsea—only realizing he was headed to Manchester City after the deal was completed.
The Brazilian wasn't too concerned about Hughes' warning.
A player from the lower leagues? How dangerous could he be?
"You'll be marking Robinho today, N'Golo!" Luton Town's manager Ethan told Kanté in the dressing room.
Although Robinho's career had its ups and downs after leaving Real Madrid—bouncing between clubs and never quite fulfilling his early promise—he was still near his peak and undoubtedly Manchester City's most dangerous attacking threat.
With his lightning pace, quick feet, and agile movement, Robinho would easily outmaneuver Luton's tall center-backs. Ethan knew he needed someone with stamina, work rate, and bite to stop him—so he gave the job to Kanté.
"With your energy and tackling, you can shut him down. Don't give him space to breathe!"
"Don't worry, boss!" Kanté replied with a big grin. Against his dark skin, his bright white smile looked genuinely cheerful—almost too friendly for the role of a defensive enforcer.
"You need to be tougher out there, N'Golo," Ethan said, half-laughing. "Make him fear you."
The whole dressing room burst into laughter.
As the players lined up in the tunnel, Kanté found himself face-to-face with Robinho.
The Brazilian gave the young Frenchman a quick glance. Kanté responded with a warm, innocent smile.
Robinho blinked, slightly thrown off. Are we opponents or pen pals? he thought.
His confidence soared.
This kid looks like a ball boy, not a midfielder. I've got this in the bag.
"You want an autograph, kid?" Robinho asked with a smirk, bending to adjust his shin pads. "After the game, I'll hook you up."
Kanté's smile faded slowly.
Before he could respond, Jamie Vardy stepped in with a grin of his own.
"After the game, he might be signing one for you, mate."