Ilkay Gundogan shone brightly while the likes of Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez also impressed as Manchester City beat Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor.
Manchester City needed just three minutes to open the scoring as Gabriel Jesus headed the ball into the back of the net from point-blank range after Bernardo Silva’s initial shot had been spilt by Nick Pope. The Cityzens made it 2-0 in the 38th minute, with Raheem Sterling getting on the end of a cross from Ilkay Gundogan.
Post the half-time break, Manchester City continued to control the proceedings and had a few chances to extend their lead further, but Pope stood in their way. Burnley, though, hardly offered any threat up top without their first-choice strikers in Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood as Pep Guardiola’s men held on for another comfortable victory.
The result – a 13th consecutive victory in all competitions – sees Manchester City open up a three-point gap at the top of the Premier League table over neighbours Manchester United, that too with a game in hand. And, here’s how we rated the performances of Guardiola’s men on the night at Turf Moor.
Ederson Moraes: 6/10
Had little to do in goal as Burnley failed to hit a single shot on target all night. Distributed fairly well from the back but was booked late on for a foul on Erik Pieters after charging out from his area.
Joao Cancelo: 7/10
Back into the starting XI, the Portuguese international enjoyed another impressive display against Burnley. Made positive runs, took up positions high up the pitch, made purposeful passes and hit in dangerous crosses. A key outlet despite not having made a direct contribution to a goal on the night. Taken off in the 64th minute.
John Stones: 7/10
Another player to return to the lineup after not featuring at the weekend, the Englishman put in another assured display at the heart of the Manchester City defence to bag another clean sheet. Swept up whatever came his way without much trouble, helped build play up from the back with his passing, posting an accuracy of 95%.
WWWWWWWWWWWWW
Goals: 33
Conceded: 3
Clean sheets: 10Man City are the first Premier League team to win 13 consecutive games since Arsenal in 2002. ? pic.twitter.com/sWWedK1WQF
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 3, 2021
Ruben Dias: 7/10
Had one or two moments on either side of half-time when he gave away the ball, but apart from that, it was another rock-solid display from the Portuguese international who did what was required of him without any difficulties. Made a couple of interceptions, won a couple of aerials while attempting and completing the most number of passes in the game.
Aymeric Laporte: 7/10
Moved out to the left-back slot, Laporte hardly put a foot wrong on Wednesday night. Solid and reliable in the defensive phase, the Frenchman won six of his eight aerial duels contested, made a tackle, an interception and a couple of clearances as well. Looked to get forward when the opportunity presented itself and was involved in the buildup to the opening goal.
Bernardo Silva: 7.5/10
Helped Manchester City dominate the game with his bundle of energy, clever passing and movement in the attacking half of the pitch. Played a role in the opening goal as it was his effort that Pope parried into Jesus’ path for the Brazilian to head home. Has ensured that Manchester City haven’t felt the absence of Kevin De Bruyne a great deal.
Rodri: 7/10
As always, broke up any potential Burnley attack in the middle of the park before helping launch attacks with his sharp and precise distribution. Made a joint game-high four tackles while also completing 92% of his passes, making one key pass in the process as well. Ensured Manchester City always stayed on the front foot.
Ilkay Gundogan: 9/10
İlkay Gündoğan‘s game by numbers vs. Burnley:
100% long ball accuracy
94% pass accuracy
81 touches
5 chances created (most)
5 ball recoveries
4 penalty area entries
2 crosses
2 tackles
2 interceptions
1 shot
1 assistMan City’s go to man at the moment. pic.twitter.com/5xaUNtq95w
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 3, 2021
The German international has been the in-form player for Manchester City and was once again was involved in the thick of things, helping Manchester City run the show at Turf Moor. Drove forward with purpose when on the ball, got the assist for Sterling’s goal with a good run and cross.
Saw a shot go just over the bar and could have had more assists if not for Pope and some slack finishing. Made a game-high five key passes while also chipping in with two tackles and interceptions each. Instrumental.
Riyad Mahrez: 7.5/10
Reinstated to the starting lineup, the Algerian might not have scored or assisted a goal on the night, but was a lively customer all through the game, asking the Burnley backline serious questions with his intelligence and vision. Found Gundogan with a clever pass in the lead-up to the second goal and almost set Sterling up for a goal, only to see his teasing cross punched away by Pope.
Did find the back of the net in the second period, but the goal was chalked off for offside. Finished the game with two key passes and one dribble completed.
Gabriel Jesus: 7/10
Another start, another goal for the Brazilian striker who showed good alertness to pounce on the spill by Pope to put Manchester City in front early in the game. Buzzed around the box but did not get any other notable chance to add to his tally on the night. Had a penalty shout turned down in the second half.
Raheem Sterling: 7.5/10
Raheem Sterling has been directly involved in 17 goals in all competitions this season, Kevin De Bruyne is the only Man City player to have been involved in more [18].
Another huge chance taken & converted by ‘City. ? pic.twitter.com/o32NBfDhkp
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 3, 2021
Played a key role in the opening goal as he drove at the defence before finding Silva. Continued to pose problems to the Burnley right-back before getting his name on the scoresheet, poking him Gundogan’s cross from close range. Had a couple of shots saved by Pope in the second half, although he should have done better with his efforts. Still, an impressive outing capped off with two key passes and three dribbles.
SUBSTITUTES
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 6/10
Replaced Cancelo a little after the hour mark. Ensured there were no late mishaps.
