City Smash Burnley 5-1: Doku Dazzles, Haaland Strikes Twice
Early own goal sets the tone
Manchester City wasted no time showing their power. Jérémy Doku sprinted in from the left, fired at goal, and while Martin Dubravka saved, the rebound fell to Phil Foden. His effort deflected off Maxime Estève and into the net – the first of two unlucky own goals for the Burnley defender. The Etihad crowd roared, and the scoreboard already tilted heavily in City’s favor.
Burnley strike back against the run of play
Despite City’s dominance, Burnley found hope. Just before the break, Jaidon Anthony let fly from the edge of the box. The ball struck Rúben Dias and wrong-footed Gianluigi Donnarumma, rolling into the net for 1-1. Suddenly, the visitors believed they could shock the champions.
City wobble, then explode
After halftime, Burnley even threatened to take the lead through Lyle Foster, but City’s quality soon told. Erling Haaland cushioned a header across goal and Matheus Nunes smashed home to restore the lead. Relief poured through the stadium – and then came the fireworks.
Doku and Foden run riot
City’s third was a beauty. Doku cut inside, Foden flicked the ball on, and Nunes crossed sharply. Oscar Bobb’s strike ricocheted off Estève once more, gifting City a 3-1 cushion. From there, Pep Guardiola’s men never looked back.
Haaland finishes the job
As Burnley’s defense crumbled, Haaland stepped in to finish the punishment. First, he coolly slotted home from a Doku assist. Then, after another defensive error, he powered through and buried his second. Final score: 5-1 City, and the aggregate over the last four meetings now stands at an astonishing 17-2.
Statement win, questions remain
City looked unstoppable in attack, but their soft center was exposed again. Without Rodri’s stability, the defense can be shaky. Still, Guardiola will point to the fluid moves and lightning combinations as the standard his team must deliver every week.
For Burnley, it was another painful lesson at the hands of a team that continues to haunt them.
