Turf Moor victory means back to back away wins for Guardiola's side
FA Premier League
Saturday 26 November 2016, 12.30 KO
City: Bravo, Sagna, Otamendi, Kolarov, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Toure, Nolito (De Bruyne 78), Sterling (Sane 57), Aguero (Navas 89)
Unused: Caballero, Zabaleta, Silva, Iheanacho
Goals: Aguero (37, 60)
Booked: Otamendi, Nolito, Aguero
Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Aguero
Two goals from Sergio Aguero saw City came from a goal behind to secure a hard fought win at Turf Moor on Saturday. It was the Blues' third game in seven days, and Pep Guardiola's side looked understandably leggy at times - the early kick off did Guardiola no favours, coming less than 72 hours after a difficult away game in Monchengladbach.
City made five changes from that fixture, with Yaya Toure and Nolito amongst those recalled to the starting line-up whilst David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne were rested. Burnley, buoyed by home victories against Liverpool and Everton already this season, started brightly and deservedly took the lead after 14 minutes. Nicolas Otamendi failed to adequately clear a free kick, and Dean Marney volleyed home superbly from 25 yards, leaving Claudio Bravo with no chance.
The Blues have often struggled when going behind of late, but responded well here and slowly began to impose themselves on the game. Paul Robinson, in for the injured Tom Heaton, saved well from Aguero and Nolito, before Toure saw his shot hit the outside of the post.
City finally leveled eight minutes before the break, when Otamendi flicked on Nolito's corner, and Aguero scrambled home from close range. Aguero then almost gave City the lead, only to see his shot saved superbly Robinson.
The visitors continued to dominate after the break and Burnley's resistance was eventually broken on the hour mark. It was another scrappy goal, and Sean Dyche will have been unhappy with his side's calamitous defending, although Fernandinho deserved great credit for the pull back as Aguero netted his 18th goal of the campaign. City went in search of a third goal that would have effectively sealed the three points, but struggled to create many further chances of note.
There were a few nervy moments in the closing minutes of the game, as the hosts sought a late equaliser, but City's defence held firm to Guardiola's relief.
“The second ball we have to control,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for the way Burnley play. That is why Fernando and Fernandinho were used.”
“Before our game they were the second-best team in the league at home,” said Guardiola. “The Crystal Palace game was really, really important. And this was really important.”