Manchester City made it a club record 11 wins in a row as they inflicted stubborn Burnley’s first away defeat of the season.
Sergio Aguero returned to the starting lineup after injury and marked his return with a contentious first half penalty, making him the joint top scorer in City History.
Burnley grew into the game and could had half chances on the counter, but two quickfire goals from Nicolas Otamendi and Leroy Sane put the game to bed.
City stretch their lead at the top of the table to five points following Manchester United’s loss at Huddersfield, while Burnley drop to ninth.
The script of this game was obvious from the fore, the unstoppable City attack vs the defensive grit of Burnley. In the end City were simply too good.
After ten minutes, the Clarets had only had 8% possession, but City had created no clear chances.
They began to get more of the ball as the half wore on, but suffered a blow after 20 minutes when in form striker Chris Wood was forced off with injury, Ashley Barnes replacing him.
The home side got in front on 30 minutes, Sergio Aguero stroking home a penalty after referee Roger East judged Nick Pope to have fouled Bernardo Silva, a decision which incensed Burnley players and fans alike, though replays showed there was slight contact.
Embed from Getty ImagesCity continued to dominate possession, and forced Nick Pope into several good saves throughout, particularly to stop efforts from David Silva and Aguero.
But Burnley remained a threat on the counter, Scott Arfield having a first effort blocked, while the aerial threat of Ben Mee provided a stern test at set pieces.
The points were eventually made safe though, Otamendi powering home from a corner, before a beautiful pass from Kevin De Bruyne was finished by the excellent Sane.
Aguero was replaced not long after, with Brazilian Gabriel Jesus his replacement. Jesus missed a good chance to add to the three goals City managed, but couldn’t beat Nick Pope from close range. Sane also missed a good late chance to grab another.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the end, City had 78% possession and ten shots on target, while they managed to only concede six shots all game, none of which were on target.
City march on and look to extend their new club record win streak away to West Brom next Saturday, while Burnley look to bounce back as they face Newcastle at Turf Moor next Monday.
Written by Sam Hanys.
