Manchester City overtook Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table and handed Burnley their fate of relegation in a victory that was full of chances but void of excitement.
With a spirited win over the Gunners last time out, Pep Guardiola’s side needed a win – with this being their game in hand – to leapfrog Mikel Arteta’s side, and were well on their way when Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the game after five minutes.
From there, it appeared that the eight-time Premier League champions would run away with the game as they never looked to settle but despite chances being created, the away side simply couldn’t take them.
One of the most notable misses came after 90 minutes when Nico O’Reilly could have tapped in at the back post but stumbled in front of goal and failed, summing up an otherwise wasteful performance from the Etihad club.
Last season, Burnley only conceded eight home league goals which was the fewest of any side in England top four tiers and while celebrations were unleashing on every matchday at this point 12 months ago, here, there was little to cheer for.
Winning automatic promotion from the Championship on 100 points is perhaps the peak of Burnley’s potential for now and with a lack of depth and a withering defence, City knew the opportunity they had to not only top the Premier League table but do so in style. Expectedly, Pep Guardiola’s side came out flying.
After two minutes, Bernardo Silva burst into the box and released an attempt on goal which was blocked before Martin Dubravka pushed a Rayan Cherki strike from 10 yards onto the frame of the goal.
Jaidon Anthony did force Gianluigi Donnarumma into a strong save between City’s opening chances but despite a wasted opportunity from Zian Flemming in the 16th minute, the majority of the first half was controlled by the away side.
In fact, the game was only five minutes old when Erling Haaland broke the deadlock, though it was the build up which impressed the most; Marc Guehi thumped a ball up to Jeremy Doku, who held off Bashir Humphreys before threading the Norway international in, where the inevitable followed.
City’s tempo increased and before Burnley knew it, Dubravka was once again forced into action when Nico O’Reilly shot from the edge of the area having nearly sneaked a header in at the back post of a corner less than three minutes earlier.
For what was a near-perfect first period from Guardiola’s side, Burnley could have easily equalised on the half-hour mark when Silva gave Guehi an awkward pass, forcing a counter from the hosts, led by Loum Tchaouna. Flemming, who struggled to finish a previous chance, failed to capitalise, his left-footed shot going high and wide.
In the second half, Burnley had to work even harder to try and suppress a ravenous City side who nearly produced two more goals inside 10 minutes when, first, Semenyo struck at the near post inside the area before Haaland hit the post on the back of a fortunate flick of the ball.
By this point, Guardiola’s side were leading the Premier League table for the first time this calendar year on goals scored but, by the minute, the 1-0 lead looked more and more unstable as Burnley continued to improve.
The fresh legs of Savinho and Nico Gonzalez helped City renew some dominance, however, with the former forcing a low save out of Dubravka from the back post when Guehi’s cross flashed across Haaland and ran through the Burnley defence.
As the clock ticked down, Burnley had one last effort from a corner which made some City supporters look away, but it was cleared as Arsenal dropped, and the Clarets were relegated.
Here’s how we rated the Manchester City players from their nervy victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.
Pulled off a remarkable save early to nullify Jaidon Anthony’s shot from the left side of the box but was hardly tested after that. A strong performance for when he was involved.
Pushed up, dropped back and created many chances from the right. He didn’t play as high up as the likes of Rayan Ait-Nouri or Nico O’Reilly on the left but made the right choices regarding positioning.
Whether it was intentional or not, his pass to Jeremy Doku for the opener was superb and opened the play excellently. He stayed deep and was strong in possession, not to mention his leadership in the defence in the absence of Ruben Dias.
Made a vital block against Esteve in the first seven minutes of the game before tracking back with his rapid pace to dispossess Flemming later in the first period. He’s a defender growing in confidence, and City’s best option there at the moment.