After suffering a foot injury, Erling Haaland played in his first game in nearly two months as Manchester City defeated Burnley 3-1 to maintain pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
With two goals in six first-half minutes, Julian Alvarez put City on the road to their fourth straight Premier League victory. Haaland came on as a second-half replacement, taking the place of Kevin De Bruyne, who looked impressive in his first start since August.
After a close-range header for his first goal, the Argentine scored his second goal from a deft De Bruyne free kick that tricked the Burnley defence. 24 seconds after the break, Rodri stroked home Phil Foden’s cut-back for City to definitively seal the victory.
Even though Ameen Al-Dakhil’s late goal for Burnley provided a consolation goal, Haaland was unable to join in the fun and even showed signs of rustiness when he missed a couple of late chances. Nevertheless, his return and the introduction of De Bruyne completed a satisfying evening for City.
Pep Guardiola’s team now sits in second place, one game ahead of leaders Liverpool, after surpassing Arsenal once more. On his return to the Etihad, manager and former City captain Vincent Kompany’s Burnley team lost, leaving them in 19th place and seven points from safety.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola said after the game: “We are there. The important thing is that we are still there and that is really, really nice after what we have come from this season.
“We know if we drop points, with the quality of Arsenal and Liverpool, we are in trouble. I don’t have the feeling they are going to drop many points. That’s why we have to win as many games as possible. Then, in the end, we will see what happens.
“We have to be ready and the players know it. We push each other every time. I would say the right mentality is there. I don’t have any doubts about that. I think we are going to try.
“I don’t think it’s just three [teams in the title race]. Tottenham are still there. Aston Villa are still there. It can change.
“My feeling when I see Arsenal play is that they control many aspects. When I see Liverpool, every game they are better than the opponent. I know how strong they are. But still, we are there. We want to continue.”
On Erling Haaland’s return, he said: “I saw him sharp. He didn’t have three or four clear chances but I had the feeling he was there.
“I’ve been feeling good the last two months without him, but with him, we are a better team. We are really pleased that he is back.”
On Julian Alvarez, Guardiola added: “They can play together. Julian is an exceptional player. It’s more of a headache for me in terms of selection but it’s good that they are competing.
“Julian, for his age, for his numbers in the Premier League, for his involvement, what he gives to the team, it’s unbelievable.
“He is a world champion, playing alongside Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Enzo Fernandez, Argentina’s best players. He is playing and if you aren’t good, you cannot play in that team.
“He can play in three different positions. He has an incredible sense and helps us with his intensity to run. He is really good.”
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany said: “It’s never great when your team loses. But we played against a great side, we know that.
“It felt like a lot had to go our way for us to get something in the game.
“In moments, we were dangerous. But the goals we conceded, we could probably have avoided. But again, we were playing against a top side. We have to move on and focus on Fulham.
“I am disappointed with the goals but my job is to give the guys support in these moments and hold them accountable. But we played against a team that will explode every mistake, every weakness.
“I can’t tell my defender to run faster. The first goal is individual quality of the opponent. Of course you have to mark in the box and be alive, but it was a tough game. I don’t have any reason not to believe in this team.”
Man City travel to Brentford on Monday while Burnley host Fulham on Saturday.
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