ANOTHER night, another milestone for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
First half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling made it 13 straight wins in all competitions for the league leaders.
Garbeil Jesus profited from Pope’s dodgy parry as Man City beat BurnleyCredit: AP:Associated Press
Raheem Sterling was on hand to make it 2-0Credit: AP:Associated Press
It’s the first time a top flight club have done that in almost 20 years – since Arsenal managed it way back in 2002.
Thirteen may be unlucky for some but the Etihad chief will hope not with a trip to Anfield looming on Sunday.
Given the recent head-to-head between these two, even the most optimistic Liverpool and Manchester United fans would not have been expecting a City slip here.
In the last seven meetings the aggregate is 28-1 in City’s favour – and sure enough the visitors were ahead within three minutes.
Bernardo Silva took a pass from Raheem Sterling in the box and fired a left-footed effort straight at Nick Pope.
The England keeper only parried into the path of Gabriel Jesus who nodded in from close range.
It was the Brazilian’s second goal in five days after his winner against Sheffield United on Saturday and his 75th for City.
While City were bossing the game, they were struggling to create clear cut chances with Ben Mee thwarting Riyad Mahrez with a last ditch tackle.
City’s attacking stars flourished even without Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio AgueroCredit: AFP
Riyad Mahrez gave the Clarets a torrid timeCredit: Reuters
Pep Guardiola was taking nothing for granted at Turf MoorCredit: AP:Associated Press
But shortly before the break the second goal did arrive as the excellent Ilkay Gundogan escaped down the right and crossed low for Sterling to tap home.
The England forward scored twice here in the Carabao Cup in October and now has 10 for the season.
Pope did well to deny his Three Lions team-mate another as he went clean through early in the second half.
And Matej Vydra skied a chance to bring the home side back into it after bringing the ball down brilliantly on his chest.
But it was comfortable for City – who have conceded just four games in their last 20 matches in all competitions and will be full of confidence against the champions.
City’s defenders kept the Clarets quietCredit: AP:Associated Press
Jesus might have added to his tallyCredit: AP:Associated Press
Man City boss Pep Guardiola says that Sergio Aguero is still absent after coronavirus battle
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
