Manchester City are temporarily top of the Premier League table thanks to a 1-0 win at Burnley. Haaland scored the golden goal on Wednesday evening – and thus also ensured Burnley’s early relegation.
After the 2:1 win in the top match against Arsenal, Manchester City had the chance to take the lead in the title race for the first time with a win at Burnley on Wednesday evening. Pep Guardiola made just one change to his side, with Ait Nouri starting in place of Rodri (injured) and O’Reilly moving into central midfield.
In an almost entirely one-sided game, Burnley, who recently lost 4-1 at Nottingham Forest and needed at least a point to avoid early relegation, had the first chance – Anthony tested Donnarumma with a shot (4th). City were unimpressed and took the lead themselves shortly afterwards: After Cherki had hit the crossbar, Haaland beat Burnley keeper Dubravka with a lob (5′).
The Sky Blues were visually in control from then on, with O’Reilly and Cherki getting a few more shots on target. However, ManCity repeatedly created space at the back, which the Clarets were unable to exploit in the end. Cherki, Doku and co. worked their magic at times and Burnley were played dizzy by Tiki Taka. However, the visitors were unable to add a second goal before the break.
Haaland fails to hit the post
This did not change after the restart, despite the best chances: Semenyo aimed too high from an acute angle (50′), Haaland hit the left post with a low shot (56′). Nothing came from Burnley in the second half, although the Clarets threw themselves into all the Skyblues’ shots.
City attacked tirelessly, but a second goal was not to come. Joker Nico with a low shot (87′) and O’Reilly from five meters (90.+1) were also unable to make the difference. However, Burnley’s lack of chances did not pay off – and so the one goal from Haaland was enough for Manchester City to temporarily jump back to the top of the table for the first time since the start of the season.
Rivals Arsenal are now under pressure and have to get back in front on Saturday evening (6.30pm) at home against Newcastle. At the same time, City will play the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton. Burnley, who have been relegated second after Wolves as a result of their defeat, do not play again until May 1 – at 9pm in Leeds.