City come from behind to overcome Burnley

Marney gave Clarets the lead but Aguero scored twice to seal the win

BURNLEY: Manchester City overcame Burnley’s spirited challenge as Sergio Aguero’s double inspired their fightback for a 2-1 win at Turf Moor yesterday.

Aguero’s decisive brace took his remarkable scoring run to 33 goals in 34 Premier League games after Dean Marney had given Burnley a surprise lead over the title contenders.

City’s recovery secured their sixth win in seven away games.

It was the first time this season that Pep Guardiola’s team had come from behind to win, and the first time since September they had won back-to-back league games, having triumphed at Crystal Palace last time out.

Burnley sprung a surprise by including former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, now 37, after Tom Heaton injured a calf during training to miss his first game since joining the club.



Guardiola made five changes from the team that played in midweek in the Champions League, but they struggled to come to terms with Burnley’s approach and energy.

Robinson did have to tip an effort from Argentina forward Aguero round a post but then, on 13 minutes, the goalkeeper initiated the opening goal as Burnley took the lead.

Robinson launched a long free-kick into the City penalty area and Otamendi’s attempted clearing header fell invitingly for long-serving midfielder Marney, who rifled the ball past Claudio Bravo’s dive for his first Premier League goal in seven years.

City responded as Aguero, who scored his ninth goal in 11 Premier League games and 15th in all competitions, pounced at the far post after Nolito’s initial shot from a corner had been blocked.



City took the lead on the hour after Yaya Toure went down in the area and Burnley made a hash of clearing before Fernandinho was able to cut the ball back towards the near post where Aguero put the ball in with his knee.

Burnley refused to go down without a fight, but Michael Keane’s well-directed header was cleared, George Boyd had a shot blocked, and substitute Ashley Barnes had an overhead kick well saved as City held out.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27^th, 2016.

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