MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31 Julian Alvarez of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Burnley FC at Etihad Stadium on January 31, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Manchester City reclaimed second spot on the Premier League table after defeating Burnley 3-1 on Wednesday night.
Premier League
Result: Manchester City 3-1 Burnley
Date: 31 January 2024
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Man City manager Pep Guardiola gave Kevin De Bruyne his first start since his long-term injury alongside the return of Jeremy Doku, as they joined Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez in attack while Erling Haaland was fit enough to feature on the bench.
South African striker Lyle Foster, meanwhile, made his fifth successive start in the league for the Clarets.
The Citizens had a bright start after Alvarez gave them the lead within the first 16 minutes with a close-range header from a lofted cross by Matheus Nunes.
City remained on the front foot as Alvarez doubled their lead six minutes later and completed his brace after he latched onto a free-kick by De Bruyne with a strike into the bottom corner.
Burnley had a good reaction after that as they pressurized Man City but they nearly went 3-0 behind just before the half-hour mark after Nunes had space to pick his spot in the box but goalkeeper James Trafford made a good save.
City were in control after that, although Foster nearly pulled a goal back for Vincent Kompany’s charges on the stroke of half-time with a strike from the edge of the box that missed narrowly wide.
Guardiola’s men were out of sight within a minute from the interval after Rodri made it 3-0 with a powerful drive in the box after he was teed up by Foden.
The Citizens slowed down the pace of their game after that and with 20 minutes to go, they looked to increase their intensity as they brought on Haaland in place of De Bruyne and five minutes later Jack Grealish also took the place of Foden for more fresh legs in attack.
City threatened, bringing on Haaland in the game in the dying minutes but Ameen Al Dakhil got a consolation goal for the Clarets in stoppage time.
Guardiola’s troops climbed up to second on the table after they leapfrogged Arsenal, who have a game in hand, only on goal difference.
