City put Burnley to the sword

> Despite making some fine saves, Hart and his team were well beaten

HAVING PICKED the ball out of the net for a fifth time, Joe Hart (pix) punched the ball out in disgust. You could understand his frustration and fury as the former Manchester City keeper endured a humiliating return to the Etihad Stadium.

Despite making some fine saves, Hart and his Burnley side were well beaten as the champions impressively racked up goals from Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, Riyad Mahrez and, finally, Leroy Sane.

Manager Pep Guardiola praised his team for their “beautiful, beautiful goals” as they remained top of the Premier League.

“After we scored the second goal and third quickly it was much easier,” Guardiola said.

“The finish from Bernardo was not easy. The goals were so outstanding – beautiful, beautiful goals – and the chances we created, and it’s three more points.”

As fortresses go, the Etihad has become almost impenetrable during the Guardiola’s reign.

Asked why they are so good at home, Guardiola paused to consider his thoughts before answering.

“I would say we feel comfortable at home with our people,” he said.

“Last season we drew against Everton and lost to United but won all the other games.

“We feel comfortable with our fans and the grass, thanks to the greenkeepers for keeping the grass in perfect condition that helps us to play quicker.

“We feel comfortable so even when we rotate players we can keep going and be consistent, especially in the Premier League, and that is so important.”

Guardiola’s attention to detail is known for being meticulous when it comes to how the pitch is prepared, and the manager was also pleased with how slick his team are looking.

With five different goalscorers against Burnley, the team have come a long way from their first season with the coach when Sergio Aguero scored the bulk of the goals.

“Our level at home last season, this season, is high – we win all the games with good performances in general, and we attack more comfortably with more options to score a goal,” he said.

“Today we had five different players scoring. That is so important because it is less pressure on Sergio or Gabriel or the others.

“They are a team with balance, did they defend for 90 minutes? No. They press high and Lennon (Aaron) and (Johann Berg) Gudmundsson can run and with the long balls for them they can create chances.

“But of course we learn every day to attack better when they defend deeper, and especially Kevin (De Bruyne) is back and with Raz (Riyad Mahrez), Leroy, Gabriel and Sergio, when people attack us and we regain the ball like is normal we have guys that have a lot of pace to attack on the counter.

“It is important for us to combine both things, whether they attack or defend deep.” – The Independent/Agencies