Man City thrash Burnley as Haaland scores twice

Manchester City 5 - 1 Burnley

Erling Haaland scored twice late on and Maxime Esteve inadvertently scored two own goals to help Manchester City to a thumping victory over Burnley.

Author | Macca

Stadium | Etihad Stadium

Pep Guardiola's side were questioned after losing back-to-back games in August, but have responded by winning three and drawing one to return to form and climbing up the table.

They were given a huge helping hand by French defender Esteve, who scored the first of his unfortunate double by miscuing an attempted clearance into his own net, the goal coming after Jeremy Doku's low effort was pushed out by Martin Dubravka.

City were controlling the contest. Belgium winger Doku has started the season brightly and he forced the Burnley goalkeeper into a sharp save at his near post.

Having been made to defend for most parts of the first half, Scott Parker's side unexpectedly equalised, with the in-form Jaidon Anthony scuffing in a finish via a deflection off Ruben Dias.

Boosted by the goal, Burnley were out quickly in the second half and Lyle Foster's low shot was deflected narrowly wide, with Quilindschy Hartman's long-range drive being batted away by City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

But the visitors were made to pay for those near misses as Matheus Nunes superbly smashed home a volley from Haaland's knock-down.

Minutes later Nunes turned provider by playing a low cross into the area and, although Oscar Bobb poked an effort at goal, the last touch came off Esteve.

But Haaland was not to be denied, converting twice in the closing stages to continue his prolific start to the campaign.

Haaland on fire

When City face Burnley, they always win. For the 14th consecutive meeting in all competitions, City got the better of their opponents, scoring 51 goals and conceding only three during that run of results.

The hosts did not have it all their own way on Saturday afternoon and the result could been very different had Esteve not converted twice into his own net and Haaland's interventions late on.

But City had 68% possession and posed a threat for large period of the 90 minutes, highlighting why they cannot be ruled out of this season's title race after leaders Liverpool were beaten at Crystal Palace.

City often played some lovely interchanges in the final third and Tijjani Reijnders should have finished off one such move but blazed over from the edge of the area.

It looked like being a rare off-day for striker Haaland, but the Norway international took his tally to 15 goals in nine games for club and country this season, continuing his blistering form by converting from Doku's low cross in the 90th minute and running through to finish three minutes later.

Portugal midfielder-turned-right-back Nunes did score from Haaland's assist and was heavily involved in the third, as it was his cross that was turned in by Esteve.

That goal left the result in no doubt, and Haaland took the acclaim as City picked up their 23rd victory in their past 25 matches against promoted sides.