After yet another defeat at Anfield, Manchester City managed to prevail in an entertaining game at the Etihad against a Burnley side that was coming off a high off victory over Sunderland in the previous round. Referee Lee Mason made a huge call at the half hour mark as he sent Brazil midfielder Fernandinho off for a two-footed challenge on Johann Berg Gudmundsson. However, substitute Sergio Aguero and full-back Gael Clichy scored in the space of 4 minutes to give Manchester City a 2-1 lead that was cut off to 1 just 8 minutes later by Mee. The home side then held their nerve to keep Sean Dyche’s side away from goal to sneak all three points after a tense finish. Here are the player ratings for City in this game:
Claudio Bravo (4):
Making his start to the Premier League worse and worse, the former Barcelona man was nervous all night, presented Mee with his goal and almost cost his side the game.
Bacary Sagna (6):
Stuck to his task well to keep Burnley away from goal for most game and also added width in the attack when needed.
Nicolas Otamendi (7):
With contrast performances in either half of the game, Otamendi was at his best when City needed him the most, as he helped his side get through the last half hour of pressure winning almost everything inside his box.
Aleksandar Kolarov (6):
Moved into the middle of the defense for City in this game and put in a better display than he did on the wing at Anfield.
Gael Clichy (7):
Scored his first goal at the Etihad in his career, and was also a constant threat for Burnley on the left-flank at both ends of the field on a productive night.
Yaya Toure (6):
Did nothing extraordinary on the night but kept Manchester City’s midfield ticking for most of the game as he maintained the pressure even after his side were down to 10-men.
Fernandinho (3):
Though it appeared as if he got a bit of the ball, Fernandinho had a lapse of concentration and cannot have too many complaints over being sent off for his challenge in the first half.
Jesus Navas (4):
Like he usually is, Navas was superb in providing City with the width in the attack but like always, the final ball was a disappointment for long periods in this game.
Kevin de Bruyne (6):
Had a slow start but slowly grew into the game to trouble Burnley and also played a role in Aguero’s goal on a decent night for the Belgian.
Raheem Sterling (6):
Stuck to his task well on the flank as he was a constant problem for Burnely at the back. Missed a couple of chances but fortunately laid off a ball for Aguero’s goal making his night productive.
Kelechi Iheanacho (5):
Was bought into the starting XI to give Aguero a rest and should have scored and assisted a goal early in the game but failed to take his chance on the night in the first team.
Subs:
Sergio Aguero (7):
Came on just a minute into the second half and changed the game entirely, keeping Burnley under pressure and helping himself to the all-important goal in the night.
David Silva (6):
Also came on at half time and had a similar impact as he made City sharper in the final third which finally got them their goals.
John Stones (5):
Came on too late in the game to have a telling effect.