Author: Amrit Santlani
The first goal of the new Premier League season, the first double and the first elimination – all this happened in the opening match of the season. Manchester City, last season’s treble winners and reigning Premier League champions, began their bid for a fourth consecutive league title by beating newly promoted Burnley. The First Division champions faced the league winners and, thanks to Erling Haaland, City emerged victorious, taking home all three points after a 3-0 win.
Coached by legendary Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, Burnley set the league alight by almost breaking the record for the most points won in a single campaign. It was a similar impact to the one Pep Guardiola had in the Premier League, but even so the Turf Moor fans got a first-hand taste of how ruthless the Cityzens can be on their day.
Until this Saturday, no player had scored the first and second goals of a new Premier League season, and then Erling Haaland, whose two goals effectively sealed the points before Rodri’s strike, added the gloss to the scoreline. Burnley failed to respond to a corner taken by City, Rodri was on the end line and headed down a fine cross from Bernardo Silva, and Haaland was there to put Guardiola’s side in front.
Later, Kevin de Bruyne tried a long-range shot, but his attempt missed the target. The Belgian suffered an injury setback and was replaced by summer signing Mateo Kovacic. Lyle Foster almost gave City a scare when he picked up the ball near the opposition box and left Kyle Walker in his wake, trying to score the winner, but the ball went wide of the goal.
Shortly after the half-hour mark, Haaland completed his brace after a brilliant move from City. Phil Foden released Kyle Walker on the right wing. The Englishman cut the ball back to Julian Alvarez, who passed it to the Norwegian, who shot into the back of the net. The ball grazed the top of the crossbar and went in.
Although City were leading 2-0 at half-time, Guardiola entered the field and was seen having an animated discussion with Haaland, and the Spaniard even turned the cameras away.
In the second half, Rodri tested James Trafford from distance, but the Burnley goalkeeper pushed the ball out for a corner. The Spaniard came close with a header attempt, but Trafford was up to the task again. Finally, in the 74th minute, City took all three points, with Rodri hitting the net after Kompany’s players failed to clear their lines following a Foden’s free-kick.
Anass Zaroury was sent off just before the final whistle after the Moroccan made a clumsy tackle to prevent Walker from running towards goal. The referee initially booked the Burnley player, but after a VAR review, Zaroury was shown the red.
Brazilian defender Vitinio didn’t have the best 90 minutes at Burnley. His fellow countryman Ederson, on the other hand, having saved “to nil”, can look back on the game as an asset.
Explaining himself at half-time, Guardiola revealed why he was seen having that animated discussion with Haaland at the break. “He wants it all the time, ball for him, ball for him. Man-to-man is one-on-one, give him balls in behind and he’ll do it,” said the Spaniard. “But when there are two minutes left and Kovacic goes behind and loses the ball, Rodri loses the ball. Erling wanted the ball and Bernardo did well not to give it to him” he added.