Clarets outclassed as Foden stars for City

PREMIER LEAGUE: Young midfielder scores twice and sets up another in stroll

MANCHESTER CITY 5 BURNLEY 0

A weakened Burnley were woefully outclassed by a much-changed but far superior City side, for whom Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden each scored twice at the Etihad Stadium last night.

David Silva also got on the scoresheet as the champions claimed a victory that means Liverpool, who visit Eastlands next week, will have to wait a little longer to relieve them of their crown.

The downside for City was the loss of record goalscorer Sergio Aguero who, on his return to the starting line-up, limped off with an injury just before half-time.

City had made eight changes from last week’s comfortable victory over Arsenal, naming the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte and Raheem Sterling on the bench while Aguero returned.

Burnley, faced with a number of problems, had no such quality to turn to. Senior stars such as Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and Johann Berg Gudmundsson were out injured and a number of other players – including

Scotland international Phil Bardsley – whose contracts are due to expire next week were omitted.

The limitations on Sean Dyche were evident in that he only named seven of the now nine permitted substitutes.

Star man Foden rated his two-goal turn as his best showing yet in his fledgling City career.

“I think that was my best game in a City shirt to be honest,” Foden told Sky Sports. “I’m still learning and got a long way to go, so I’m just really happy when I can play well.”

Foden’s stand-out no-look pass for Silva’s goal drew plenty of praise, with the youngster admitting that was a preset ruse.

“We worked on that set-piece as well, drawing the defenders out,” he said.

“I knew already where I was going to play the pass, so I’m happy it came off.

“It’s always good to play a part, scoring goals just enjoying my football.

“The main thing is the result, we’re looking sharp and hopefully we can continue the form into the next games.”

Leroy Sane, who it was revealed last week has rejected the offer of a new contract and could leave this summer, appeared for the last 11 minutes.

It was the German’s first outing since suffering a knee injury in the Community Shield last August.

City are back in action on Thursday night when they visit Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.

Dyche’s Burnley, who remain 11th in the table a point behind Arsenal, host Watford earlier that evening.

Liverpool, still 20 points ahead at the top, host Crystal Palace at Anfield tomorrow night.

Picture: PA. Phil Foden turns away to celebrate after netting his second and City’s fifth goal.