Man City 2-0 Burnley
by James Nalton
at the City of Manchester Stadium

PORTUGUESE midfielder Bernardo Silva drove Manchester City to victory against Burnley on Saturday afternoon, with manager Pep Guardiola hailing an “extraordinary” performance.

The 27-year-old opened the scoring when he was on hand to turn home a rebound after Phil Foden’s shot was parried by Nick Pope.

But it was Bernardo’s general desire to push for the win while much of the Man City side appeared to be resting on their laurels that made this a man-of-the-match performance.

He was supported in his quest by defensive midfielder Rodri and right-back Joao Cancelo, with American goalkeeper Zack Steffen also playing his part, but the rest of the City team lacked a cutting edge.

Kevin De Bruyne’s goal to make it 2-0 was an opportunistic effort. 

He picked up a loose ball after it looked like Riyad Mahrez was fouled in the area by Ashley Westwood, finding the far corner with his shot and saving referee Martin Atkinson from having to make a decision.

Burnley had a good chance to pull a goal back when Nathan Collins’s header from a set piece fell to Chris Wood, but the New Zealander skied a shot over the bar from six yards.

Bernardo was one of City’s best players when they pipped Liverpool to the title with 98 points in 2019.

He was one of the best midfielders in Europe during that period when he deputised for an injured De Bruyne, finishing 9th in the Ballon d’Or voting that year.

He has been less relied upon by Guardiola in the seasons since, but this term it looks like he will return to that level and be a key player in Pep’s Premier League push.

“He’s been in incredible form alongside Rodri,” said the City manager.

“At the beginning of the season Bernardo is at the level he was during our second season when we won with 98 points.

“That was out of this world. The way he played is at the same level, defensively and offensively.

“Today he scored a goal, it’s important to him. The performance of Bernardo has been extraordinary again.”