Shambolic performance sees City in top 4 battle
FA Premier League
Saturday 14 March 2015, 17.30 KO
City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Fernandinho, Toure (Lampard 81), Navas, Silva (Jovetic 74), Dzeko (Bony 63), Aguero
Unused: Caballero, Mangala, Sagna, Nasri
Goals: None
Booked: Demichelis
Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Fernandinho
Saturday night saw Manchester City's faulting title change collapse in horrendous fashion as they succumbed to a defeat at Turf Moor. Manuel Pellegrini's side were lifeless, leaderless and completely lacklustre. It was a deserved win for Sean Dyche's men, who gave their all and showed the Premier League Champions the correct attitude required to win.
The game represented a chance for City to put pressure on leaders Chelsea, yet the first half was woeful, with the Blues slow and laboured in possession. Pellegrini's side didn't press, or utilise the fullbacks and looked like a team in holiday mode. Fernandinho was the only player to come out iwth any credit in the opening 45 minutes, with the Brazil international trying his upmost to provide some thrust and drive into midfield.
City's best chance of the first half fell to Edin Dzeko, who failed to capitalise. It summed his season up, firing a tame effort straight at Tom Heaton. Burnley didn't fashion many chances themselves in the first half either, but they defended valiantly, putting bodies on the line to ensure that the score remained level at the break.
City started the second half poorly, with more insipid passing,but they did however squander a great chance to take the lead. David Silva found himself through after Aguero's magnificent pass, but his touch uncharacteristically let him down. It was more frustration for Manuel Pellegrini, who then soon saw his side go a goal down.
George Boyd was the Burnley hero, lashing in an excellent half volley after a poor header from Vincent Kompany. It condemned City's faltering title challenge, and the Blues now find themselves in a battle to finish in the top four.