Erling Haaland scored twice late on, while Maxime Esteve scored two own goals, leading Manchester City to a resounding Premier League victory over Burnley.
Pep Guardiola’s side was questioned after losing back-to-back games in August, but they reacted by winning three and drawing one to regain form and rise to fourth place in the table.
They received a significant assist from French defender Esteve, who scored the first of his unfortunate double by miscuing an attempted clearance into his own net, following Jeremy Doku’s low effort being pushed out by Martin Dubravka.
The contest was under City’s jurisdiction. Belgium winger Doku has started the season well, forcing Burnley’s goalkeeper into a great stop at the near post.
After being forced to defend for the majority of the first half, Scott Parker’s team unexpectedly leveled, with the in-form Jaidon Anthony finishing with a deflection off Ruben Dias.
Burnley came out strongly in the second half, boosted by the goal, and Lyle Foster’s low attempt was deflected just wide, while City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Quilindschy Hartman’s long-range drive.
However, the visitors were punished for their near misses when Matheus Nunes expertly volleyed home following Haaland’s knock-down.
-
Alvarez shines as Atletico Madrid thrash Real Madrid 5-2
-
Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win exposes Liverpool’s flaws
Minutes later, Nunes provided a low cross into the area, and while Oscar Bobb attempted to score, the final touch came off Esteve.
However, Haaland was unstoppable, converting twice in the last moments to maintain his outstanding start to the season.
City won their 14th consecutive encounter in all competitions, scoring 51 goals while conceding only three.
The hosts did not have everything their way on Saturday afternoon, and the outcome could have been extremely different if Esteve had not converted twice into his own net, as well as Haaland’s late intervention.
But City had 68% possession and created a danger for much of the 90 minutes, demonstrating why they cannot be written off in this season’s title battle after leaders Liverpool were defeated at Crystal Palace.
City always played some great interchanges in the final third, and Tijjani Reijnders should have finished one such move but shot wide from the edge of the area.
It appeared to be a rare off-day for striker Haaland, but the Norwegian international increased his total to 15 goals in nine games for club and country this season, converting Doku’s low cross in the 90th minute and sprinting through three minutes later.
Portuguese midfielder turned right-back Nunes scored off Haaland’s assist and was substantially involved in the third, as Esteve converted his cross.
That goal sealed the result, and Haaland received praise as City won their 23rd match in a row against promoted teams.
