Julian Alvarez grandly marked his birthday by leading Manchester City to a commanding 3-1 triumph over Burnley on Wednesday evening. Despite Pep Guardiola making six alterations to the team, Alvarez, starting his 21st consecutive league game, secured two goals in rapid succession. Notably, the second goal was assisted by a daring Kevin De Bruyne free-kιϲk.

De Bruyne, making his first start in over five months, and Erling Haaland, who came off the bench, pose potential tҺгеаts to Alvarez’s future spot in the starting lineup. Nevertheless, the Argentine demonstrated his value, reaffirming his significance as City continued its pursuit of Liverpool in the title race. While Rodri extended City’s lead early in the second half, Burnley managed a consolation goal when Ameen Al Dakhil capitalized on a mistake from Ederson in added time.

Goalkeeper & Defence 

Ederson (4/10):

Barely had to make a save until badly messed up and gifting Al Dakhil the late goal. Earned a booking for shoving Connor Roberts while defending Rico Lewis.

Rico Lewis (7/10):

Came in for Kyle Walker and looked equally experienced and assured while showing more ambition in ɑttɑϲk.

John Stones (6/10):

Solid in his first match back for a month. Mostly stayed in defence rather than joining midfield.

Nathan Ake (7/10):

A towering presence, brushing Burnley’s forwards aside as if they were schoolboys playing against adults.

Josko Gvardiol (5/10):

Displaying strength and competence in both halves throughout most of the match, the player executed a well-timed tackle on Lyle Foster and even had a near-scoring opportunity. However, a slight deduction is warranted for being readily surpassed in the sequence leading to Burnley’s consolation goal.

Midfield

Matheus Nunes (6/10):

Made the most of a first league start in over a month by setting up the opener. Burnley made life easy for him although still looks very much a squad player and not a regular.

Rodri (7/10):

Physically dominant as ever and dangerous too, slotting his sixth goal of the season.

Phil Foden (7/10):

Orchestrated the play, linking midfield and ɑttɑϲk to perfection. Set up Rodri’s strike.

Attɑϲk

Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):

Showed real invention to set up Alvarez’s second. Not quite at full throttle after so long out but getting there.

Julian Alvarez (8/10):

Played like he had a point to prove with De Bruyne and Haaland returning. He sure made it, showing wonderful movement, composure and lethal finishing.

Jeremy Doku (7/10):

Kept Vitinho on his toes from the start with some electrifying runs down the left wing.

Subs & Manager

Erling Haaland (6/10):

A welcome return after seven weeks out. Looked hungry for a goal but a bit rusty, miskιϲking a shоt and misplacing a final pass.

Jack Grealish (6/10):

Tried to get Haaland a goal in the 13 minutes he was on for.

Mateo Kovacic (N/A):

Came on in the 87th minute.

Sergio Gomez (N/A):

Brought on in the 87th minute, too.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

Implemented six alterations that did not affect the team’s capability to secure a victory, providing crucial playing time for Haaland and granting anticipated starting opportunities to Stones and De Bruyne.