A trip south of the border to see my second English Premier League game, as a neutral Scot.
This was a trip I was supposed to make a month or so ago. Turf Moor was the destination, due to testing positive for Covid, I was unable to attend Burnley v Chelsea.
Arrangements were made and tickets swapped, I was now able to make the journey to watch arguably one of the best teams in the world, Man City make the short trip to Turf Moor.
Both teams needed to win, for very different reasons. Burnley sitting second bottom in a desperate relegation fight, and time running out. Man City dropped to second place, after Liverpool had beaten Watford 2-0 earlier in the day, to go two points clear. A win here would see City reclaim top spot.
It took all of five minutes for Man City to take the lead. Kevin De Bruyne struck the ball with a clean first-time finish into the roof of the net, as he met Raheem Sterling's cushioned pass into the box.
20 minutes later, Gundogan doubled City's lead, with a goal in similar fashion, and Sterling getting his second assist of the day.
At this point, it looked like it could've been going on five or six for City.
Burnley had zero fight about them. There was no pressing, no chasing the ball, nothing. They allowed Man City to play, at points Ake and Laporte were allowed to stand with the ball for seven or eight seconds, before making a pass.
This fashion continued for the duration of the game. Man City eased of, comfortable with the two-goal lead, although they did continue to create some chances.
Burnley finally reminded Ederson that he was in a Premier League match, when sub Rodriguez had his effort comfortably saved on the 75th minute.
An extremely comfortable game for City, who left Turf Moor with the three points to take them top of the table, once again. A dominating display that saw them finish with 80% possession.
The only positive Burnley can take from that match, it was only two goals.
It difficult situation for the club and the supporters. There was zero atmosphere. I understand that it can be difficult to encourage a team that aren't giving any indication that they are fighting for their survival, but does that lack of fight stem from the little support? A two way street that doesn't have traffic on either side of the road.
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