Man City move top of the table and relegate Burnley
Burnley 0 - 1 Manchester City
Manchester City moved to the top of the table while condemning Burnley to an immediate return to the Championship.
Author | Macca
Stadium | Turf Moor
City’s surge has come at a decisive moment. A nine-point deficit to Arsenal has been wiped out in under a fortnight, with Pep Guardiola’s side edging ahead on goals scored to take a slender lead at the summit.
It is the first time they have occupied top spot since the opening week of the season, but an 11-match unbeaten run has carried them past the Gunners with five games remaining.
Erling Haaland won the game
He broke through inside five minutes to latch on to Jeremy Doku’s pass and lift a composed finish over Martin Dubravka. He later struck the post as City pressed for greater reward.
Burnley threatened briefly before falling behind, with Rayan Cherki forcing a fine save from Dubravka, who tipped a powerful effort on to the bar.
Despite their dominance, City lacked a clinical edge at times
Nico O'Reilly saw a header pushed away, while Rayan Ait-Nouri fired over after a slick passing move.
The visitors still created opportunities of their own. Jaidon Anthony cut inside and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Zian Flemming dragged a shot wide when well placed.
Defeat, however, seals Burnley’s fate. Scott Parker’s side join Wolverhampton Wanderers in dropping into the second tier, marking their second relegation in three seasons.
