Manchester City vs Burnley LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
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Julian Alvarez celebrated his 24th birthday with two goals as Manchester City cruised to a 3-1 win over relegation-threatened Burnley at the Etihad Stadium to climb to second in the Premier League table.
It was a stroll for the champions as Rodri added a third goal to ensure a 13th win in a row against Burnley, during which time City have scored 46 goals and conceded two. Ameen Al Dakhil netted a late consolation for the visitors.
Pep Guardiola’s side moved to 46 points from 21 games, two behind leaders Liverpool, who play Chelsea later on Wednesday. Burnley are second bottom and seven points from safety having played a game more than Luton Town in 17th.
City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne made his first start for City since the opening day of the season and striker Erling Haaland came off the bench for the final 20 minutes after missing the previous 10 games due to injury.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Manchester City vs Burnley
City have won 16 of their last 17 meetings with Burnley in all competitions (D1), winning the last 12 in a row by an aggregate score of 43-1. That run will continue here, for certain.
Manchester City vs Burnley
Burnley are already seven points adrift of safety and performances like this, albeit against far superior opposition, show why. Kompany's men have twice switched off in defence, something they can ill-afford to do against Guardiola's world-class line-up. The only question is when City will introduce Haaland, if they want to inflict further damage in the second half.
Manchester City vs Burnley
City are in complete control as the half-time whistle sounds, leading a woeful Burnley 2-0 at the break. Alvarez headed in from Nunes' simple cross after 16 minutes before doubling his account – and the home side's lead – from De Bruyne's quick-thinking free-kick soon after. The Clarets have offered nothing, yet to have a shot on target or threaten anything other than a routine defeat on the road.
Manchester City vs Burnley
There will be just two minutes to end this first half, with City in complete control after Alvarez's brace.
Manchester City vs Burnley
Think! Alvarez and Rodri evade the press before Berge commits another needless foul. That is not the first time the Burnley midfielder has conceded a cheap free-kick.
Manchester City vs Burnley
WIDE! It is better from Burnley, who have their first sight at goal. Gudmundsson prods over the top for Foster before the striker drifts inside and whips a right-footed effort just wide to Ederson's left.
Manchester City vs Burnley
Burnley have not had a shot on target so far in this game. Whatever Kompany set up to do, it has not worked. A rethink is desperately needed at half-time.
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