by Simon Evans
MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) – Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne both scored in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Burnley at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, which leaves the defending English champions one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
It was an opaque performance by Pep Guardiola’s team against an opponent who has not yet won this season, but, struggling to build his team after the break for international games, the City coach was satisfied with three relatively comfortable points.
City, with US goalkeeper Zack Steffen in place of Ederson because the Brazilian returned late from his commitment to the national team, had Raheem Sterling, who during the week said he would consider leaving the club as a starter.
Sterling didn’t make much of an impact, however, to a strangely harmless attack from City, with Riyad Mahrez, far from his best, down the right and Phil Foden, the best of them, in the middle.
Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva opened the scoring, on 12 minutes, completing the rebound of a save by Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope after a low shot from Foden.
Burnley caused City some problems, and Ivorian striker Maxwel Cornet could have leveled when he caught a pass over the top of Dwight McNeill, but City goalkeeper Zack Steffen made a good save with his legs.
Josh Brownhill sent a shot out from inside the area after a hesitant defensive action by City, and Burnley finished the first half well.
Riyad Mahrez came close to stretching City’s lead after the break, wiping paint off the crossbar after a clever backhand from Silva.
City finally killed the game, 25 minutes into the second half, when Ashley Westwood failed to clear and the ball dropped to De Bruyne filling his left foot.
Burnley should have cashed in the closing minutes, but Chris Wood, stretching, sent him over the crossbar after City’s defense gave him room.
Pep Guardiola’s team has 17 points from eight games, in second place. Liverpool lead with 18. Chelsea could return to the top if they beat Brentford this Saturday.
“After the break for international games, it’s always a little difficult to catch up and I know how good Burnley is. They did very well, they have good players”, said Guardiola.
“We did well in the second half and played really well and could have scored more goals. It was a good result, after the international break we were satisfied with the victory and let’s look at what lies ahead.”
Burnley’s last four visits to City had ended in 5-0 defeats, and coach Sean Dyche was pleased to have made it a little harder this time.
“We didn’t take anything away from the game, but I was pleased with the performance against such a good team,” said Dyche.
“They created chances, not as many as in the past, but I liked that we also created quality chances and that’s the challenge we’ve had all season – taking advantage of our chances.”
Burnley is runner-up with three points.
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