Burnley, under Sean Dyche, have been the surprise of the season who are fighting for a European place even at this stage of the Premier League and delivered some inspiring performances away from home against league’s heavyweights. Their FA Cup third round tie against Manchester City at Etihad clearly had one winner, but the Clarets were competitive and earned a first-half lead defying the odds. City, however, came back strongly since the break and scored four times to register another thumping win and continued their unbeaten domestic streak ahead of their League Cup semi-final tie (first leg) against Bristol City followed by weekend’s trip to Anfield to contest Liverpool.
Below are the Burnley players rated from their 4-1 defeat against the Citizens.
Nick Pope: 4
Conceded four times and the last goal, particularly, was a howler from the Englishman who was rushed forward to clear the ball from Leroy Sane. But the German youngster kept his head cool and beat past the custodian to set it for Bernardo Silva who made no mistake to put it in an empty net.
Matthew Lowton: 5.5
Had a decent first-half as he performed his defensive duties and did well to contain Leroy Sane. However, he lost the plot since City’s equalizer and was kept on his toes by the young German winger for the remainder of the game.
Kevin Long: 5.5
Made some crucial blocks and clearances but failed to deal with City’s lethal attacking front and a poor second-half display cost his side conceding four times.
Ben Mee: 5
Mee was strong, steady and composed with interceptions, blocks and tackles in the first-half but was at fault in City’s equalizer as he left Sergio Aguero unmarked and lost his focus while arranging the wall from a set-piece situation. Ilkay Gundogan was intelligent enough to find the unmarked Argentine with his quick free-kick and the Burnley skipper failed to stop his side from conceding.
Charlie Taylor: 5.5
Was troubled by Raheem Sterling throughout the game and the whole defence including the former Leeds United star surrendered in the second-half to see his side conceding four times despite a first-half lead.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson: 6
The in-form Burnley wingman looked menacing at times on the counter and troubled youngster Zinchenko down the right-hand flank. But he failed to stage a comeback for his side and was replaced by Jonathan Walters with 15 minutes remaining.
Jack Cork: 5
Cork had few duels with David Silva in midfield and the veteran Spaniard won most of those to control the game from the middle of the park. Was replaced by Nahki Wells in search of an equalizer midway through the second half.
Ashley Westwood: 7
Lost his slot to Steven Defour but did well to impress the gaffer on a rare start. He was combative, tried to win back possession and link-up forward from the counter-attacking movements.
Ashley Barnes: 7
Scored with a spectacular strike as he utilized the opportunity handed by John Stones following his miscued clearance. Missed a simple tap in early in the game but worked hard to keep his side in the game whenever they had the ball.
Jeff Hendrick: 6
Still trying to adopt in an advanced midfield slot behind Sam Vokes. His touches were heavy at times but carried the ball forward from midfield on quite a few occasions.
Sam Vokes: 5.5
Vokes troubled the City defence at times with his aerial supremacy but failed to test Claudio Bravo throughout the game.
Substitutes
Nahki Wells: 5
The Bermudian international offered pace and physicality upfront but failed to alter the fate of the game.
Jonathan Walters: 5
The veteran was brought in late in the game in search of an unforeseen comeback, however, this change didn’t work out too.
