Erling Haaland powers through for Manchester City as they claimed a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor Stadium against Burnley to go top of the Premier League table.
It was a no-mistake job by the Citizens, making sure they claimed an important three points to go level on points and move above Arsenal in the title race.
Manchester City had one task, which was to dominate and take all three points, which they did well from the kickoff against Burnley.
Jaidon Anthony had the first attempt of the game after taking a strike, which forced a save out of Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 3rd minute.
Rayan Cherki had a moment in the 4th minute after Antoine Semenyo created an opportunity, which saw the France international’s strike hit the post.
However, it was Erling Haaland who broke the deadlock very early with a wonderful finish in the 5th minute, which made it 1-0.
His goal came through a good delivery from Jeremy Doku, who did all the hard work for the Norwegian to finish off neatly.
Nico O’Reilly had a chance in the 25th minute, but his header towards goal was saved comfortably by Martin Dubravka as the scoreline stayed 1-0.
Dubravka was seen in the 31st minute getting some medical attention after going down, but it was nothing serious as he continued playing.
Rayan Ait Nouri had a strike from outside the box in the 43rd minute, but it wasn’t good enough to get past the goalkeeper, who pulled off a good save.
Two minutes of additional time were shown by the officials as both teams carried on with play. Manchester City finished the first half ahead 1-0 against Burnley.
The action continued with Antoine Semenyo taking an effort which Maxime Esteve blocked in the 47th minute.
Rayan Cherki linked up with Antoine Semenyo, who failed to direct his strike properly on goal in the 49th minute.
Erling Haaland failed to score in the 55th minute of action after his strike hit the post. Quilindschy Hartman came close in the 61st minute, but he could not score.
Antoine Semenyo was taken off and replaced by Savinho, while Rayan Ait Nouri also came off for Nico Gonzalez in the 65th minute.
Burnley made a change in the 72nd minute, which saw Loum Tchaouna being replaced by Lyle Foster. Manchester City continued the match with 64 percent ball possession.
Erling Haaland failed to connect properly on a volley in the 80th minute. Zian Flemming came off and was replaced by Armando Broja as Burnley threw in another striker in the 82nd minute.
The home team also took off Bashir Humphreys, who Florentino replaced. Haaland forced off a save from Dubravka in the 90th minute.
The match officials added five minutes, but it wasn’t enough for Burnley as they bowed to Manchester City 1-0 after the final whistle.
https://youtu.be/4egCFeBUfXc?si=UUDzoyCeI7qWzR9d
The victory gave Manchester City the upper hand as they currently occupy the number one position on the Premier League table.
This game also decided the fate of Burnley, as their relegation was confirmed following this loss against Pep Guardiola’s City.
Arsenal will be cursing themselves after dropping too many points to the extent that they are currently behind with just goal difference.
Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland had a lot to say after the game which they are glad to be on control of their own fate.
The City manager was more focused on their next game against Southampton for the Emirates FA Cup semi final.
Guardiola said: “I have to think perfectly about the lineup to face Southampton, knowing that if we win it will be a good decision and if we lose it will be a bad decision to have a little bit of fresh legs in the FA Cup’s semifinals.
For Erling Haaland, it was all about the win and three points which puts them above Arsenal on the Premier League table.
Haaland reacted: “It’s all about winning, no matter how. We tried to play our football and just tried to win.
“That’s what you have in your mindset. And now, focus on Saturday.
“We had a lot of chances. But I’m happy we won, and that’s the most important thing. Anything else, don’t think, just try to win…”
Manchester City are in control when it comes to the Premier League title race after taking down Burnley to claim an important three points away from home.
It was an expected result, knowing the difference it would make in the title race after an explosive top-of-the-table clash on the 19th of April.
Manchester City showed dominance and control against Burnley, which ended up paying off as they secured the important three points.
