Manchester City brush depleted Burnley aside to keep Liverpool waiting

Manchester City make it back-to-back wins since returning from the break thanks to a comfortable 5-0 victory over Burnley who were without a number of first team stars.

Goals from Phil Foden (2), Riyad Mahrez (2) and David Silva made sure that Pep Guardiola’s side keep Liverpool waiting for their first Premier League title.

A much changed City side dominated much of the early possession, but struggled to break through a strong resistance from the Burnley backline in the opening ten minutes.

The first chance of the game came for City but defender Cancelo struck his effort well over the bar from outside the box.

Captain David Silva then worked it brilliantly in the path of Bernardo Silva, but the Portuguese international was unable to convert on his weaker foot, sending his effort into the side netting.

The Clarets first opportunity came from a set piece, Ashley Westwood finding James Tarkowski who headed well wide of the target.

It took just 22 minutes for the home side to take the lead, Foden fired a low drive into the bottom corner beyond the diving Nick Pope, after being picked out by Bernardo, following a corner which was played short.

The home side continued to display their superiority as the first half went on. Mahrez curled a deep cross in the direction of Sergio Aguero who hit a lame shot which the visitors were able to clear.

Just before the break, Mahrez doubled City’s advantage, following a brilliant crossfield ball from Fernandinho which allowed Mahrez to attack the full back and work his way into the box, and place it into the bottom corner.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to add a third, Mahrez again on target, this time from the penalty spot after Aguero had been clipped by Ben Mee – the City forward was forced off with an injury as a result of the challenge, meaning Gabriel Jesus was introduced as City went into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.

Less than a minute into the second half, the hosts created another opportunity, substitute Jesus connecting with a header from Silva’s cross but the Brazilian couldn’t direct his effort goalwards.

Bernardo who was brilliantly found by Foden with a reverse pass on the right flank, he found Silva who knocked home from close range to inflict further problems on Sean Dyche and his Burnley side.

Foden grabbed his second of the night after a brilliant team move involving several players, the ball reached Jesus who touched it in the direction of Foden who applied a strong finish which Pope couldn’t keep out of the Clarets’ goal.

Jesus nearly had one of his own moments later, Foden found him just outside the box before the City number nine fired wide of the target, much to the relief of the visitors.

City continued to look to add to their lead, Leroy Sane came on for the final ten minutes. He won a free-kick which he sent into the Burnley wall.