Once again Manchester City huffed and puffed through the 90 minutes, getting the better of a dogged and determined Burnley side 2-1. It was a strange first 45 minutes with Burnley going toe to toe with the Sky Blues and getting a deserved lead. But City threatened on the break and had a number of shots on goal, only for them to be saved by Paul Robinson.
City once again dug in heels and showed the determination which won them 2 league titles in recent years and finally held on after scoring 2 goals and thus kept pace with the top two.
Let us take a look at the how the players fared.
BRAVO- 5/10
Although not to be faulted for his goal, needs to toughen and sharpen up. Does not exude confidence and along with the back four, he looks shaky.
SAGNA- 6/10
Not his best display. Supported up the pitch well enough but at the cost of his defensive discipline. Caught out far too many times.
OTAMENDI- 3.5/10
Was lucky to escape with a blatant push in the first half which could have cost a penalty. Looked lost in the opening 45 minutes and does not look like 1st choice centre-back at a club like City.
KOLAROV- 5/10
Marginally better than Otamendi but still looked uncomfortable. Performed slightly better when venturing onto the left.
CLICHY- 6/10
Nothing out of the ordinary. Came into the midfield often and did not have to deal much in defence.
FERNANDINHO- 6.5/10
Not the stand-out midfield player which he has been so often but still managed to do the job. Probably needs a rest in the near future.
FERNANDO- 6.5/10
Provides defensive stability and might be a useful weapon in the busy Christmas period and being fresh, will be eager to impress.
TOURE- 7.5/10
Another assured display in his advanced position. Was at the heart of the moves and passing movements, just like old times, and put in a man of the match display. Fans are loving him.
NOLITO- 5.5/10
Cut a peripheral figure at times although he did link-up with Aguero on the left. Picked up another unnecessary yellow card for dissent.
STERLING- 7/10
Looked lively and capable of producing something when he got a chance to run at the opposition but the preciseness was missing in the final ball.
AGUERO- 8/10
Not the best all-round display but his knack of scoring goals came to the fore with two scrappy goals. Tested the keeper a couple of times as well.
SUBSTITUTES
SANE- 6/10
DE BRUYNE- 6/10
NAVAS- 5/10
