Manchester City kept the pressure on top of the table with a convincing 2-0 victory over Burnley with Bernardo Silva starring for the Citizens.
Manchester City kept pace with table-toppers Chelsea and second-placed Liverpool with a convincing victory over strugglers Burnley. The visitors continued their winless run this season, although not much was expected from Sean Dyche’s men at the Etihad.
Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne scored in either half, as deputy goalkeeper Zack Steffen managed to keep a clean sheet in the absence of Ederson Moraes. Raheem Sterling was also called back in the lineup, while Riyad Mahrez got a good outing against a generally stubborn Burnley.
Pep Guardiola decided to take a cautious approach with his defence, as Nathan Ake replaced Kyle Walker in the side. There were three central defenders to control the physical presence of Burnley forward, as the manager overloaded the right-hand side for most of their attacking play.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring from a rebound off a Phil Foden shot. Manchester City then somewhat struggled to break the Clarets’ defence down. However, the home side looked much more dangerous in the second half and got their reward as Kevin De Bruyne finished superbly to kill the game off. Here’s how Manchester City’s stars fared during their 2-0 victory over Burnley.
12' ⚽️ @BernardoCSilva
70' ⚽️ @DeBruyneKevWatch the best of the action from our win over Burnley! ?#ManCity pic.twitter.com/uonLKl3mFG
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 16, 2021
Zack Steffen: 6/10
Steffen, deputising Ederson, did a decent enough job and earned a clean sheet. While it was a quiet evening for most parts, the American was active around his box when called into action. He made some decent saves and kept himself focused, particularly during the one-on-one chance with Maxwel Cornet.
Joao Cancelo: 7/10
Cancelo executed his manager’s game plan with flying colours as he proved to be a constant threat down the right side. He combined well with Bernardo Silva, who kept switching sides in midfield, and Cancelo did not let anyone miss Walker on this side of the pitch.
John Stones: 7/10
A surprise inclusion, especially to replace Ruben Dias. Stones did repay his manager’s faith with an astute performance at the heart of the Manchester City defence. Dealt with any threat Burnley’s physical forwards posed, while his composure on the ball remained at its best despite this game being his first start this season.
Aymeric Laporte: 5.5/10
Laporte could have had a much better game had he not been booked for a needless challenge early on. Since then, it felt like he walked the tightrope and showed caution when making challenges. Overall it was still a steady game for the Spaniard.
Nathan Ake: 6/10
Ake did his job well, as he was in the lineup for a specific task. Did not wander too much in attack, and he was very sound in defence.
Rodri: 6/10
Rodri kept the midfield and attack ticking with his constant spray of passes to different channels. He was good with the ball and kept control of the central areas, allowing Silva and De Bruyne to contribute more in the final third.
Kevin De Bruyne: 6/10
On another day, De Bruyne would have dominated the game in its entirety and then come up with a goal like that. However, on Saturday, he was well off his mark and showed a lack of total match fitness. Still a good ending to the game with a superb finish to kill off any hopes Burnley might have had in the game.
Bernardo Silva: 8/10
A fine afternoon for the Portuguese star. Always a threat when on the ball, Silva got his reward from a rather lucky opportunity as Nick Pope only parried a shot by Phil Foden towards him to score. He has continued his brilliant form this season and is likely to remain in the lineup for the foreseeable future.
Bernardo Silva created more chances than any other player against Burnley (3).
He also scored the opening goal of the game. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/QleYARdyOv
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 16, 2021
Riyad Mahrez: 6.5/10
The Algerian came into the side to replace the absent Gabriel Jesus and looked in his usual stride. Always a threat when with the ball, as Mahrez tried to create few decent opportunities for his teammates. He needs to work on his end product, though, despite supplying the chance for the second goal.
Raheem Sterling: 5.5/10
This season’s lack of starts seems to be affecting his performances as Sterling looked completely off in the false nine role. Guardiola moved him into his wing position later, which could not inspire the attacker into performing better.
Phil Foden: 6.5/10
Foden continued to show flashes of his recent good form and played some good passes into the final third. Still, he looked isolated at times and tried his best when moved centrally in place of Sterling.
SUBSTITUTES
Ruben Dias: 6/10
Dias came in for a cameo to help protect the lead. Did fine.
Fernandinho: 5/10
Fernandinho replaced De Bruyne when the game was already won. Helped control the midfield and break up play whenever necessary.
Cole Palmer: N/A
Palmer got a few comfortable minutes under his belt after replacing Silva in second half injury time.
