Man City 2-0 Burnley: Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne give champions hard-earned win

By Chris BevanBBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

Last updated on 16 October 2021.From the section Premier League344

Bernardo Silva puts Manchester City ahead against Burnley — Bernardo Silva put Manchester City ahead with his second goal of the season - his first was the winner against Leicester last month

Raheem Sterling could not mark his return to Manchester City's starting line-up with a goal but Kevin de Bruyne made certain his side still beat Burnley after Bernardo Silva's early strike.

City had won 5-0 on each of the Clarets' past four visits to Etihad Stadium and it seemed like a similar scoreline was on the cards when the impressive Silva followed up Phil Foden's shot to give the home side an early lead.

There was to be no glut of goals on this occasion, however. Although City dominated possession and created plenty of chances, they failed to extend their advantage, giving the visitors hope.

Burnley gave them a few scares before De Bruyne added a second goal with 20 minutes to go, curling his shot home when the ball broke to him inside the box.

Sterling made only his third league start of the season - having been recalled at the end of a week where he spoke publicly about being open to a move abroad if he failed to get more game time at City.

He struggled to make an impact in the first half while playing as the central attacker in City's front three, managing only 11 touches - by far the lowest of any of their outfield players - and only one shot, which was blocked.

Sterling was far more involved when he switched to the left flank after the break but was unable to add to his tally of one league goal in 2021-22 and it was down to De Bruyne to finish the game off.

The win keeps City two points behind leaders Chelsea, who won at Brentford. Burnley remain in the bottom three, still without a league win this season.

De Bruyne goal ensures Man City avoid nervy finale

Good to get win after international break - Guardiola

Burnley could not end their winless run, which at 11 games is the longest in England's top four divisions, but they still gave City plenty to think about.

Maxwel Cornet, who saw his shot brilliantly saved by Zack Steffen after running clear, went close to equalising in the first half, as did Josh Brownhill, who fizzed his shot inches wide.

City were misfiring too, with Riyad Mahrez another of their players failing to make the most of his recall - the closest he came with his four efforts at goal was when he blasted another Silva cut-back against the bar.

It could have made for a nervous finale for City's fans, if not for De Bruyne's cool finish after Burnley failed to clear their lines.

It meant the home supporters were able to relax and celebrate the news of Leicester's late goals in their win over City's neighbours United - something they did extremely loudly.

Burnley would take a 'scruffy win' at the moment - Dyche

Player of the match

Bernardo SilvaBernardo Silva

with an average of 7.48

Manchester City
Burnley

Manchester City

Squad number20Player nameBernardo Silva
Average rating
7.48
Squad number47Player nameFoden
Average rating
7.29
Squad number17Player nameDe Bruyne
Average rating
7.25
Squad number80Player namePalmer
Average rating
6.77
Squad number5Player nameStones
Average rating
6.75
Squad number27Player nameJoão Cancelo
Average rating
6.72
Squad number26Player nameMahrez
Average rating
6.71
Squad number3Player nameRúben Dias
Average rating
6.69
Squad number16Player nameRodri
Average rating
6.68
Squad number25Player nameFernandinho
Average rating
6.68
Squad number14Player nameLaporte
Average rating
6.42
Squad number13Player nameSteffen
Average rating
6.28
Squad number6Player nameAké
Average rating
6.27
Squad number7Player nameSterling
Average rating
5.95

Burnley

Squad number1Player namePope
Average rating
6.43
Squad number20Player nameCornet
Average rating
6.20
Squad number22Player nameCollins
Average rating
6.11
Squad number5Player nameTarkowski
Average rating
6.03
Squad number9Player nameWood
Average rating
5.97
Squad number2Player nameLowton
Average rating
5.97
Squad number11Player nameMcNeil
Average rating
5.96
Squad number8Player nameBrownhill
Average rating
5.94
Squad number23Player namePieters
Average rating
5.86
Squad number18Player nameWestwood
Average rating
5.80
Squad number4Player nameCork
Average rating
5.80
Squad number7Player nameGudmundsson
Average rating
5.70
Squad number10Player nameBarnes
Average rating
5.65
Squad number19Player nameRodriguez
Average rating
5.49

Line-ups
Match Stats
Live Text

Line-ups

Man City

Formation 4-3-3

13Steffen
27Cancelo
5Stones
14LaporteBooked at 45minsSubstituted forRúben Diasat 72'minutes
6Aké
20Bernardo SilvaSubstituted forPalmerat 90+1'minutes
16Rodri
17De BruyneSubstituted forFernandinhoat 84'minutes
26Mahrez
7Sterling
47Foden

Substitutes

2Walker
3Rúben Dias
8Gündogan
10Grealish
11Zinchenko
25Fernandinho
33Carson
80Palmer
84Slicker

Burnley

Formation 4-4-2

1Pope
2Lowton
22Collins
5Tarkowski
23Pieters
8Brownhill
18Westwood
4CorkSubstituted forGudmundssonat 72'minutes
11McNeil
20CornetSubstituted forBarnesat 56'minutes
9WoodSubstituted forRodriguezat 82'minutes

Substitutes

7Gudmundsson
10Barnes
13Hennessey
14Roberts
17Lennon
19Rodriguez
25Norris
26Bardsley
28Long

Referee:: Martin Atkinson
Attendance:: 52,711

Match Stats

Home TeamMan CityAway TeamBurnley

Possession: Home71%; Away29%

Shots: Home15; Away7

Shots on Target: Home6; Away2

Corners: Home6; Away2

Fouls: Home11; Away5

Live Text

Post update
Match ends, Manchester City 2, Burnley 0.
90'+4'
Full Time
Second Half ends, Manchester City 2, Burnley 0.

90'+1'
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester City. Cole Palmer replaces Bernardo Silva.
87'
Post update
Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
87'
Post update
Foul by James Tarkowski (Burnley).
87'
Post update
Foul by Rodri (Manchester City).
87'
Post update
Jay Rodriguez (Burnley) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
85'
Post update
Foul by Nathan Aké (Manchester City).
85'
Post update
Jóhann Gudmundsson (Burnley) wins a free kick on the right wing.
85'
Post update
John Stones (Manchester City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
85'
Post update
Foul by Ashley Barnes (Burnley).
84'
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester City. Fernandinho replaces Kevin De Bruyne.
82'
Substitution
Substitution, Burnley. Jay Rodriguez replaces Chris Wood.
81'
Post update
Foul by Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
81'
Post update
Nathan Collins (Burnley) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
80'
Post update
Foul by Raheem Sterling (Manchester City).
80'
Post update
Nathan Collins (Burnley) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
79'
Post update
Chris Wood (Burnley) hits the bar with a right footed shot from the centre of the box. Assisted by Nathan Collins with a headed pass following a set piece situation.
79'
Post update
Hand ball by Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
78'
Post update
Foul by Rodri (Manchester City).

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Comments

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344 comments

Comment posted by The Golden Pirate, at 17:34 16 Oct 2021
The Bernado twins are back! What do I mean? Well, when he's at his best, it's as if there are two Bernado Silva's on the pitch. He's been the most consistent player in all competitions so far this season for City.
Reply posted by abracadabra, at 18:44 16 Oct 2021
abracadabra replied:
Even the thought of letting Bernardo go was crazy.

Epitome of quality and work rate together, a model.
Comment posted by Blue Tamsie, at 17:18 16 Oct 2021
City win utd lose oh city you’ve got me singing the blues
Reply posted by The Citizen, at 11:28 17 Oct 2021
The Citizen replied:
Manu sliding down the table like a slug sliding down wet glass.

They will be lucky to qualify even for Thursday night football when Newcastle United get going.
Comment posted by D1710852031725, at 17:03 16 Oct 2021
Good to see the real Manchester team WIN
Reply posted by VanImpe, at 19:14 16 Oct 2021
VanImpe replied:
It is all imported, get a grip.
Comment posted by Avi, at 17:29 16 Oct 2021
Silva is the most underrated player of EPL.
Reply posted by alterf, at 18:53 16 Oct 2021
alterf replied:
He's suffered from comparison with the departed David Silva.

Great players both of them.
Comment posted by Stornoway Cove, at 17:08 16 Oct 2021
Stirling wants to play every game .....No ! No! Another legend in his own mind ...just needs to convince everyone else I think ....where is last year's player ????
Reply posted by paul hirst, at 17:39 16 Oct 2021
paul hirst replied:
On Talksport Trevor Sinclair keeps laughably referring to Raheem Sterling as " world class " ?? Good for a chuckle every time.
Comment posted by The Golden Pirate, at 17:30 16 Oct 2021
I'm normally a big supporter of Sterling, but after saying he should be in the team he had something to prove. He was shocking today - very average and not good enough for a Man City side on that performance. Just a tip Sterling, you can't just turn up and expect to be picked an get your wages too, you have to earn it and do something special. Grealish must have been disappointed to say the least.
Reply posted by Commentier, at 19:05 16 Oct 2021
Commentier replied:
Sterling has been very good over the years, particularly last season for City and England. However, all this talk of playing in another country (i.e. a rival club such as Real or Paris) is not Pep material. Play your way back into the team, or quietly ask for a transfer.
Comment posted by CITYCHAMPIONSAGAIN, at 17:22 16 Oct 2021
Just another walk in the park ….. was Sterling playing? Didn’t notice him - again - time for pastures new young man.
Reply posted by D1696067508170, at 18:22 16 Oct 2021
D1696067508170 replied:
You mean a walk in the desert?
Comment posted by Commentier, at 17:04 16 Oct 2021
Do you get more points for winning 5-0 than 2-0?

Didn’t think so. Solid performance from City against a team which can give anyone a game. On to the next.
Reply posted by I love Fergie, at 17:10 16 Oct 2021
I love Fergie replied:
No, but you do get a better goal difference.
Comment posted by Dan, at 17:14 16 Oct 2021
This Burnley fan would have taken that scoreline before a ball was kicked. Imagine if City had a proper striker.
Reply posted by SBandy, at 17:16 16 Oct 2021
SBandy replied:
My heart bleeds for them.
Comment posted by Dublet, at 17:37 16 Oct 2021
Hard being a Claret at the moment, but losing 2-0 to City feels like a result. Maybe we are not the most dynamic team going forward, but we didn’t get battered and had our chances. Rose tinted spectacles, maybe, but not feeing downhearted. Come on The Clarets
Reply posted by one year wonders, at 19:42 16 Oct 2021
one year wonders replied:
You could’ve and probably should’ve nicked a couple of goals tbh.
Comment posted by Finkelstein, at 17:34 16 Oct 2021
Silva, De Bruyne and Foden at the heart of matters. What a trio. Time to open the exit door for Sterling. He couldn't hit a barn door and is better served leaving City to do his sill adverts.
Reply posted by Pudding liver , at 20:16 16 Oct 2021
Pudding liver replied:
keV dB still looks a long way off his best too.
Comment posted by Bluemoon, at 17:51 16 Oct 2021
Bernado yet again 5⭐️
Reply posted by Commentier, at 19:11 16 Oct 2021
Commentier replied:
There was talk of him leaving in the summer (couldn’t believe it myself), but no talk from him, just playing some amazing football now. He’s a fine, fine player. Other players should follow his example.
Comment posted by Pudding liver , at 17:09 16 Oct 2021
a striker please, all talk about kane or halland when we could do wuth some fella that could get his head in 1 o 2 in 100 balls. antonio, ings would have done, any bleeding striker at this stage.
Reply posted by Commentier, at 19:09 16 Oct 2021
Commentier replied:
Almost like Pep is so determined (or stubborn) to prove the system works. Maybe he dislikes heading of the ball due to the recent cases of brain injuries (possibly) due to historic stress on players’ heads.
Comment posted by pistol, at 17:48 16 Oct 2021
sell sterling while you can still get some decent money for him he has been poor for over a season , city lost champions league final because started with sterling and that was a huge mistake
Reply posted by AverageFootballFan, at 21:12 16 Oct 2021
AverageFootballFan replied:
You lost the champions league final because you started gundogan in the fernandinho/rodri role, but to each their own I guess.
Comment posted by amar, at 17:04 16 Oct 2021
“City are the best team in the country for the past 5 years”

- Bob Shankly
Comment posted by Deano86, at 17:26 16 Oct 2021
3 points and no injuries or suspensions- is all that matters today. We have played much better recently and we will again soon.
Comment posted by Blue Mike, at 18:24 16 Oct 2021
Sterling offers nothing to city , one footed , indecisive, and loses the ball far too easily or falls over.
All city fans know it and Pep knows it
Reply posted by Grover, at 18:31 16 Oct 2021
Grover replied:
Burnley will take Sterling on loan
Comment posted by GorbleGorble, at 17:42 16 Oct 2021
KDB is half fit and not near his best and he's still twice the player Sterling is. I can see why Pep felt he needed to spend £100m on Grealish.

Sterling needs a new challenge. Madrid would be interesting.
Reply posted by Village idiot, at 13:19 17 Oct 2021
Village idiot replied:
With Gundogan nearing a return, I think we'll see KdB getting a couple of games rotated to the bench. Just to keep him fresh.
Comment posted by Beeb Account, at 17:37 16 Oct 2021
Good win City, Burnley can be stubborn. Sad to see Pep getting bullied into playing Sterling. ;)
Reply posted by The Golden Pirate, at 17:43 16 Oct 2021
The Golden Pirate replied:
No, he wasn't. It was a master stroke from Pep. Basically he said (against a lesser team - sorry Burnley) "Go on then, prove to me and the fans that you deserve your place" - he didn't so Pep can now leave him on the bench and be vindicated.
Comment posted by Dipster, at 17:05 16 Oct 2021
Nice comfortable win. Yet to concede at home in the league so far this season. Pep will be happy with that but would probably like to have scored a few more g.

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Chelsea	8	6	1	1	16	3	13	19
2	Liverpool	8	5	3	0	22	6	16	18
3	Man City	8	5	2	1	16	3	13	17
4	Brighton	8	4	3	1	8	5	3	15

5	Man Utd	8	4	2	2	16	10	6	14
6	Everton	7	4	2	1	13	8	5	14

7	Brentford	8	3	3	2	10	7	3	12

8	Wolves	8	4	0	4	8	8	0	12
9	Tottenham	7	4	0	3	6	10	-4	12
10	West Ham	7	3	2	2	14	10	4	11
11	Leicester	8	3	2	3	13	14	-1	11
12	Aston Villa	8	3	1	4	12	12	0	10
13	Arsenal	7	3	1	3	5	10	-5	10
14	Crystal Palace	7	1	4	2	8	11	-3	7
15	Southampton	8	1	4	3	6	10	-4	7
16	Watford	8	2	1	5	7	15	-8	7
17	Leeds	8	1	3	4	7	15	-8	6

18	Newcastle	7	0	3	4	8	16	-8	3
19	Burnley	8	0	3	5	5	13	-8	3
20	Norwich	8	0	2	6	2	16	-14	2

De Bruyne goal ensures Man City avoid nervy finale

Manchester City

Avg

Burnley

Avg

Line-ups

Man City

Substitutes

Burnley

Substitutes

Match Stats

Live Text

Comments

Join the conversation

Comment posted by The Golden Pirate, at 17:34 16 Oct 2021The Golden Pirate

Reply posted by abracadabra, at 18:44 16 Oct 2021abracadabra

Comment posted by Blue Tamsie, at 17:18 16 Oct 2021Blue Tamsie

Reply posted by The Citizen, at 11:28 17 Oct 2021The Citizen

Comment posted by D1710852031725, at 17:03 16 Oct 2021D1710852031725

Reply posted by VanImpe, at 19:14 16 Oct 2021VanImpe

Comment posted by Avi, at 17:29 16 Oct 2021Avi

Reply posted by alterf, at 18:53 16 Oct 2021alterf

Comment posted by Stornoway Cove, at 17:08 16 Oct 2021Stornoway Cove

Reply posted by paul hirst, at 17:39 16 Oct 2021paul hirst

Comment posted by The Golden Pirate, at 17:30 16 Oct 2021The Golden Pirate

Reply posted by Commentier, at 19:05 16 Oct 2021Commentier

Comment posted by CITYCHAMPIONSAGAIN, at 17:22 16 Oct 2021CITYCHAMPIONSAGAIN

Reply posted by D1696067508170, at 18:22 16 Oct 2021D1696067508170

Comment posted by Commentier, at 17:04 16 Oct 2021Commentier

Reply posted by I love Fergie, at 17:10 16 Oct 2021I love Fergie

Comment posted by Dan, at 17:14 16 Oct 2021Dan

Reply posted by SBandy, at 17:16 16 Oct 2021SBandy

Comment posted by Dublet, at 17:37 16 Oct 2021Dublet

Reply posted by one year wonders, at 19:42 16 Oct 2021one year wonders

Comment posted by Finkelstein, at 17:34 16 Oct 2021Finkelstein

Reply posted by Pudding liver , at 20:16 16 Oct 2021Pudding liver

Comment posted by Bluemoon, at 17:51 16 Oct 2021Bluemoon

Reply posted by Commentier, at 19:11 16 Oct 2021Commentier

Comment posted by Pudding liver , at 17:09 16 Oct 2021Pudding liver

Reply posted by Commentier, at 19:09 16 Oct 2021Commentier

Comment posted by pistol, at 17:48 16 Oct 2021pistol

Reply posted by AverageFootballFan, at 21:12 16 Oct 2021AverageFootballFan

Comment posted by amar, at 17:04 16 Oct 2021amar

Comment posted by Deano86, at 17:26 16 Oct 2021Deano86

Comment posted by Blue Mike, at 18:24 16 Oct 2021Blue Mike

Reply posted by Grover, at 18:31 16 Oct 2021Grover

Comment posted by GorbleGorble, at 17:42 16 Oct 2021GorbleGorble

Reply posted by Village idiot, at 13:19 17 Oct 2021Village idiot

Comment posted by Beeb Account, at 17:37 16 Oct 2021Beeb Account

Reply posted by The Golden Pirate, at 17:43 16 Oct 2021The Golden Pirate

Comment posted by Dipster, at 17:05 16 Oct 2021Dipster

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Comment posted by The Golden Pirate, at 17:34 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by abracadabra, at 18:44 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Blue Tamsie, at 17:18 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by The Citizen, at 11:28 17 Oct 2021

Comment posted by D1710852031725, at 17:03 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by VanImpe, at 19:14 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Avi, at 17:29 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by alterf, at 18:53 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Stornoway Cove, at 17:08 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by paul hirst, at 17:39 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by The Golden Pirate, at 17:30 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by Commentier, at 19:05 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by CITYCHAMPIONSAGAIN, at 17:22 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by D1696067508170, at 18:22 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Commentier, at 17:04 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by I love Fergie, at 17:10 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Dan, at 17:14 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by SBandy, at 17:16 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Dublet, at 17:37 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by one year wonders, at 19:42 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Finkelstein, at 17:34 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by Pudding liver , at 20:16 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Bluemoon, at 17:51 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by Commentier, at 19:11 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Pudding liver , at 17:09 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by Commentier, at 19:09 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by pistol, at 17:48 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by AverageFootballFan, at 21:12 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by amar, at 17:04 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Deano86, at 17:26 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Blue Mike, at 18:24 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by Grover, at 18:31 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by GorbleGorble, at 17:42 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by Village idiot, at 13:19 17 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Beeb Account, at 17:37 16 Oct 2021

Reply posted by The Golden Pirate, at 17:43 16 Oct 2021

Comment posted by Dipster, at 17:05 16 Oct 2021