4 Feb 2018

Burnley hold City to a draw

6:09 am on 4 February 2018

Premier League leaders Manchester City paid the price for missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Burnley with Johann Berg Gudmundsson's 82nd minute equaliser earning the hosts a share of the points.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Photo: Photosport

City had dominated possession throughout most of the game, which they strolled through for large spells, but after taking the lead with a beautiful strike from Brazilian Danilo in the 22nd minute, they failed to press home their advantage.

Raheem Sterling produced one of the misses of the season, somehow putting the ball wide just one metre out from the empty goal and Burnley made the most of that let-off.

The Clarets were struggling to create openings but when Jack Cork looped the ball into the area, it fell to defender Ben Mee whose volley forced a good save from Ederson.

City showcased their quality in the 39th minute with a flowing move from the back, ending with a powerful drive from Kevin De Bruyne which keeper Nick Pope did well to keep out.

After the break, there was almost a repeat of the opening goal when City again found Danilo from a corner but this time the full back's shot was tipped over by Pope.

Somehow Burnley were still in the game and they came close to levelling when a fine Lennon strike was pushed against the woodwork by Ederson.

That brought the game to life and City pushed forward with increased urgency and should have doubled their lead when Kyle Walker played the ball across the face of goal and somehow Sterling put it wide from point-blank range.

City were made to pay when Burnley substitute Matt Lowton floated in a cross from the right and Gudmundsson met it on the half-volley to fire home and give the hosts one of the more memorable results of a season that has defied expectations.

-Reuters