Erling Haaland bagged a brace as Manchester City kicked off their 2023/24 Premier League campaign with a big win over newly-promoted side Burnley.
Starting lineup
Burnley: Trafford; Roberts, O’Shea, Al Dakhil, Beyer; Koleosho, Berge, Cullen, Vitinho; Amdouni, Foster.
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Aké, Lewis; De Bruyne, Rodri; Bernardo Silva, Álvarez, Foden; Haaland.
Facing his former manager and reigning Champions was a tough test for Vincent Kompany and his boys. After a triumphant sail in the English second division last season, the opener against Manchester City was the real test of the Clarets’ depth of quality to stay in the top division.
As expected, it was a Manchester City show from the start at Turf Moor although the home side showed a good fighting spirit, earnestly contesting for the ball.
City dominated the game and gave nothing away as they looked set to open their campaign with a win. Five minutes into the game, the Premier League champions took the lead with Erling Haaland setting the trail for the Premier League Golden Boot race again.
The Norwegian opened his goal account for the season after he smashed home Rodri’s fine header to give City the lead.
It was another brilliant start for Erling Haaland as he sets out to smash his record 36 Premier League goals scored last season.
Manchester City continued to dominate proceedings going forward after taking the lead as Burnley fell back to clear their lines amid mounting pressure.
Erling Haaland came close again to doubling the lead and bagging his brace in the 11th minute after Kevin De Bruyne picked him in the box and whipped in the ball but Haaland’s volley flew above the crossbar.
City continued to mount pressure thanks to Burnley goalkeeper, Trafford, who pulled an incredible and astonishing saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Rodri nearly extended the lead for Manchester City in the 17th minute with a fine header but Trafford rose to the occasion and pulled a fine save to deny the Spaniard.
Manchester City’s marathon pressure yielded result again in the 36th minute with Erling Haaland again on the scoresheet for the treble winners.
Haaland again proved why he is the best striker in the world with a sensational second goal that left Burnley defenders and Trafford stunned. Receiving the ball in the box, Haaland did not even look at the goalpost but plucked his legs straight on the pass, curling it immediately into the left corner.
The Premier League giants took the 2-0 lead into the first-half break as they close in on a deserved win over the home side.
Nothing changed in the second half as Manchester City continued to dominate proceedings despite racing into a two-goal lead.
Burnley did less to curtail the dominance of the visitors as they continued to struggle under intense attacking pressure by the Premier League giants.
Vincent Kompany made some early changes to the squad as he tries to turn things around all to no avail.
Manchester City wrapped up the win in the 75th minute after Burnley defensive blunder allowed Rodri smash home the visitors’ third goal to put the game beyond the hosts.
After a comfortable three-goal lead, Pep Guardiola made late substitutions as City close in on a big opening win.
The match finally ended with Burnley settling for a defeat as Manchester City ran out with a deserved 3-0 victory.
Video Highlights
