The Premier League is BACK! And Manchester City were first up at Turf Moor as they faced Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
With some key figures missing in Stones and Dias following minor injuries confirmed at ManCity.com.
The starting Xl for the Blues:
Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Lewis, Rodri, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Foden, Alvarez, Haaland.
Burnley got the game underway but it was not long before a certain Norwegian goal scoring machine returned to the league with a bang.
Haaland opened the scoring in just under three minutes and put the Blues ahead.
However, euphoria did not last long as Kevin De Bruyne pulled up with an injury and had to come off. He was replaced with new signing Mateo Kovacic who slotted in well within the City midfield.
At 34 minutes we caught a glimpse of Phil Foden beauty. As the ball drops to him in the box, he flicks the ball over his head and brings it down to control. Unfortunately, he’s crowded out in the penalty area and unable to get his shot off.
It was only minutes later that Erling Haaland doubled the lead for the Blues with a rocket straight past James Trafford.
At 36 minutes it was Burnley 0 – 2 Manchester City.
Despite Manchester City’s dominance in possession and two goal lead, Burnley looked dangerous at times. Nevertheless, they were unable to convert the half-chances they created.
The Blues went into the break in control.
The second half saw a different Burnley, more confident. And Manchester City looked a little more reserved.
With less intricate passing and more long balls from the Blues, Burnley looked to level the playing field.
The 74th minute saw Rodri begin his season the same way he ended the last, with a fantastic strike to put City three ahead.
Before his goal he was having an impressive run out, defensively solid and dominating the midfield with Champion authority. He read the game well and found himself in critical positions to thwart the Burnley threats.
Just before the 80th minute mark Guardiola made three substitutions.
Ake, Haaland and Lewis made way for Laporte, Palmer and a Manchester City and Premier League debut for new signing Gvardiol.
Manchester City asserted their dominance as Burnley began to tire.
Under the new additional time rules, there was a whopping six minutes added to the game.
A nasty foul on Kyle Walker in the 92nd minute saw Pawson heading over to the VAR monitor to review the yellow he initially gave. Zaroury was eventually sent off for the high studs up challenge.
James McAtee got his Premier League game time for the final few minutes in place of Walker who was hooked following the foul.
FULL-TIME: Burnley 0 – 3 Manchester City.