A double from star striker Erling Haaland saw Manchester City begin the defence of its Premier League title with a 3-0 victory against Burnley at the Turf Moor Stadium in Burnley, England.
The visitors featured Haaland in attack with Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva supporting on the flanks. For Burnley, Zeki Amdouni started as the lone striker in a 5-4-1 formation as Burnley returned to the top flight.
The Norwegian hitman Haaland wasted no time to open his Premier League account as he found space in the penalty area to fire the ball into the net from Rodri’s headed pass.
Last season’s Golden Boot winner wasn’t finished yet and extended Manchester City’s lead in brilliant fashion against the run of play.
A lovely first-time finish in off the bar in the 36th minute from Julian Alvarez’s assist showcased why Haaland is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.
The visitors were determined to make a statement in the curtain raiser for another exciting Premier League campaign.
City midfielder Rodri added the third in the second half, before Anass Zaroury received a straight red card after VAR review for a dangerous tackle on defender Kyle Walker as the match finished 3-0 to Manchester City.
FULL-TIME Burnley 0-3 Man City
The Champions start their title defence with a W#BURMCI pic.twitter.com/hLI3m2lGMd
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 11, 2023
City had won its previous 11 fixtures against Burnley by a combined score of 40-1, meaning their 12th victory came as no surprise.
Despite the win, City lost Kevin De Bruyne to another injury in the first half, while defender Kyle Walker limped off the pitch after the challenge from Burnley’s Zaroury.
Manchester City will next face Sevilla in the European Super Cup on Wednesday, before hosting Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday. For Burnley, they face Aston Villa next in the Premier League.
