Raheem Sterling could not mark his return to Manchester City‘s starting line-up with a goal but Kevin de Bruyne made certain his side still beat Burnley after Bernardo Silva’s early strike.
City had won 5-0 on each of the Clarets’ past four visits to Etihad Stadium and it seemed like a similar scoreline was on the cards when the impressive Silva followed up Phil Foden’s shot to give the home side an early lead.
The home side enjoyed most of the possession and created plenty of chances but failed to extend their advantage, giving the visitors hope.
Burnley gave them a few scares before De Bruyne added a second goal with 20 minutes to go, curling his shot home when the ball broke to him inside the box.
Sterling, recalled at the end of a week where he has spoken publicly about how he would be open to playing abroad if he does not get more game time with City, was making only his third league start of the season.
He struggled to make an impact in the first half while playing as the central attacker in City’s front three, managing only 11 touches – by far the lowest of any of their outfield players.
Sterling was far more involved when he switched to the left flank after the break but was unable to add to his tally of one league goal in 2021-22 and it was down to De Bruyne to finish the game off.
The win moves City into second place, a point behind leaders Liverpool. Burnley remain in the bottom three, still without a league win this season.
