This Manchester City side has extra gears which helped them beat Burnley | OneFootball

For the first hour of their 5-1 win over Burnley yesterday, Manchester City were stuck in a fight with a determined Burnley side. Scott Parker’s side had defended well and offered a threat going forward. As the game ticked over the hour mark, it was clear that Pep Guardiola’s side needed to go up a gear to pick up three points at the Etihad. They did just that as they scored four goals in the final 29 minutes of yesterday’s match.

While this Manchester City squad remains a work in progress, it is clear to see that they have extra gears to click into when required. That is a good attribute for Pep Guardiola’s side to have in their armoury.

Manchester City put their foot down when they had to against Burnley.

From the moment that Matheus Nunes gave Manchester City a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute yesterday against Burnley, there was only one winner. Pep Guardiola’s side went up a gear and Burnley couldn’t keep up with them. Four minutes after his goal, Matheus Nunes set up Manchester City’s third goal of the afternoon when his cross was diverted into his own net by Burnley defender Maxime Estève. A late Erling Haaland brace made the score 5-1 at the final whistle. That scoreline did feel harsh on Scott Parker’s side. But the way City went up a gear when required was impressive to see.

Burnley isn’t the strongest side in the Premier League. Scott Parker’s side is newly promoted and will likely be fighting to avoid relegation this season. That needs to be considered when judging Manchester City’s performance yesterday. But the fact that City could go up a gear when required is a good sign for what lies ahead. Pep Guardiola’s side won’t be at their free-flowing best in every game they play. But to put their foot down and pick up a 5-1 win on a day when they didn’t play well is a positive to take from yesterday’s match. City should gain confidence from yesterday’s result, which is a positive as Pep Guardiola continues to mould his new-look team.

Summary.

Manchester City did what they had to do to ensure they picked up three points against Burnley. They also extended their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions. City weren’t at their best for the first hour of yesterday’s match. But when they had to, they went up a gear and their ability to do just that ended yesterday’s match as a contest. There is a power in the final third and extra gears for this City side to hit. That ability sets them up well for what lies ahead this season.