Guardiola’s City Survive Burnley Scare

Manchester City left it late to truly impose themselves, relying on two unfortunate own goals from Burnley’s Maxime Esteve to secure a 5-1 win that flattered the champions. Despite the emphatic scoreline, Pep Guardiola’s side were made to sweat for long spells at the Etihad as Burnley pushed them harder than expected in a thrilling encounter.

The game opened with City piling on the pressure from the first whistle, suffocating the visitors with their trademark high pressing and fast ball circulation. Jeremy Doku looked especially lively down the left flank, tormenting Burnley’s full-backs with his pace and direct running. Their breakthrough came in bizarre fashion after just 12 minutes. Doku’s strike forced a parried save from Martin Dubravka, only for the rebound to cannon off Esteve and roll into the net for the opener.

Rather than wilting, Burnley responded with spirit. Just 10 minutes later, they silenced the Etihad when Jaidon Anthony ghosted in at the back post to slot home a deflected cross, levelling the match and raising hopes of a memorable upset. The equaliser spurred Vincent Kompany’s men into life, and they matched City stride for stride for much of the first half, unsettling the champions with their energy and pressing.]

By halftime, the contest was finely poised at 1-1, and City knew they would need to dig deep to avoid dropping points at home.

City Turn the Screw After Halftime

Guardiola’s side came out for the second half with renewed purpose, and their pressure paid off within 15 minutes of the restart. Phil Foden, who was instrumental throughout, swung in a teasing cross that Erling Haaland nodded down into the path of Matheus Nunes, who finished with a stunning volley to restore City’s lead.

The breakthrough opened up the game, but the decisive moment came when substitute Oscar Bobb fired a shot that deflected cruelly off Esteve for his second own goal of the match. The unfortunate defender could only watch as the ball wrong-footed Dubravka, effectively killing Burnley’s hopes of a comeback.

Haaland Wraps Up the Points

With breathing room secured, City shifted into their most ruthless gear. Haaland, who had endured a frustrating afternoon, finally found the net with a sharp turn and finish before adding a quick second just three minutes later to seal the result.

Despite the heavy scoreline, the performance will give Guardiola plenty to ponder, with his side looking unusually vulnerable in transition and needing a pair of own goals to tilt the momentum their way.

Burnley, meanwhile, leave the Etihad with their heads held high. Their spirited performance against the reigning champions showcased their growing confidence and tactical discipline under Kompany, even if the final result tells a different story. For City, the three points mean more than the margin of victory, keeping their title defence firmly on track.

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