Manchester City leapfrogged Liverpool once again to go to the top of the table in the Premier League with a hard-fought win against Burnley. The Clarets defended in numbers and did well to keep the Citizens at bay, but it was Sergio Aguero’s strike that confirmed the three points for his side.
The Citizens found themselves in a spot of bother after their shots were all blocked in the first half as things were looking gloomy and Pep Guardiola was visibly frustrated. However, to his and his side’s relief, the Argentine forward did just enough to get his shot over the line. Burnley, though, deserves a big round of applause for their resilience in the face of one of the best attacks in Europe in recent times.
Here is how the Manchester City players were rated from their win against Burnley.
Ederson: 7
Had a quiet day with all the action happening on the other end of the pitch. Did well to grab the ball off the feet of an advancing Chris Wood in the early minutes of the match.
Kyle Walker: 6
Did well to keep the backline safe. Tried to get the ball up the pitch with his accurate passing and darting runs but lacked the end product.
Vincent Kompany: 7
Delivered some good long balls into the opposition half. Did not provide any space whatsoever to Barnes and Wood.
Aymeric Laporte: 7
Got the ball in the opposition half with his accurate passing. Could have put his side in the lead in the opening minutes of the second half but Heaton did well.
Ilkay Gundogan: 6
Did not have much impact in the first half of the game. Regained his composure in the second half and built a few attacks from the midfield.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 7
Kept getting past Lowton and delivered some dangerous balls in the box. Tried to get a few shots on goal as well.
David Silva: 6
Got a good chance to put his side in front but could not get his shot on target in the first half. Looked a little fatigued in the second half.
Bernardo Silva: 7
Was a livewire on the pitch. Initiated several attacks and peppered Heaton with a flurry of shots. It was his assist that led to Aguero’s goal.
Raheem Sterling: 6
Tarkowski did exceptionally well to keep his darting runs under check. Took some shots on goal but to no effect.
Leroy Sané: 6
Looked a little frustrated as he did not receive enough passes from his teammates. Tried his level best to get the goal but Tom Heaton was equal to the challenge.
Sergio Agüero: 7
Kept aiming for the goal throughout the match and finally got his reward in the second half. Could turn out to be a massive goal in perspective of the Premier League title race.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus: 6
Did well in his limited time on the pitch.
John Stones: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Nicolás Otamendi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
