Manchester City vs. Burnley: Score and Reaction from 2017 Premier League Match

Manchester City survived a scare against Burnley during Monday’s Premier League action, beating the Clarets 2-1 at home.  

City dominated possession before half-time but didn’t muster too many chances, and a rash challenge from Fernandinho saw the side reduced to 10 men. 

Gael Clichy and Sergio Aguero gave the hosts a quick two-goal lead after the break, but Ben Mee took advantage of another Claudio Bravo howler to reduce the deficit. A late rally led to nothing, however.

As the Citizens’ official Twitter account shared, City dropped Aguero from the starting XI, giving Kelechi Iheanacho the chance to start:

TEAM NEWS with @haysworldwide #cityvburnley #mcfc pic.twitter.com/HMHSZSKeDT

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 2, 2017

City started the match on the front foot, with Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas seeing much of the ball. Tom Heaton had to make his first stop just minutes into the contest, as Sterling picked out Iheanacho, who unleashed a fine shot. Heaton also blocked Sterling’s follow-up.

Iheanacho went close again after eight minutes after a great run and pass from Yaya Toure, but fortunately for the visitors, Michael Keane made a crucial block at the last second.

After a good spell for Burnley, Toure tried his luck from outside the box, forcing Heaton into another diving save. Meanwhile, Goal’s Sam Lee noted City manager Pep Guardiola was growing frustrated with the officiating:

Guardiola’s going to get sent off at some point soon I think

— Sam Lee (@Sammy_Goal) January 2, 2017

Guardiola turns to the 4th official and indicates that it’s now six decisions that have gone against City. Think he might see red today

— Sam Lee (@Sammy_Goal) January 2, 2017

De Bruyne blasted a wild shot well wide of goal, and Navas dropped a poor cross into the box and out of the reach of his team-mates. Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News noted City wasn’t making life hard enough on the visitors:

#MCFC not exactly ripping up trees, but they are making Burnley run an awful lot, and that could be a problem for the …

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