Burnley 1-1 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points

#3 City’s short corners and diagonal passes frustrated Burnley

Burnley defenders were always kept on their toes by City players

Guardiola would never describe himself as an innovator, nor someone who has ‘reinvented the wheel’ tactically, but his ability to work out ways to weaken or frustrate opponents is quite remarkable. Burnley are known for their strength in defence, particularly aerially. With Sergio Aguero up front flanked by Sterling and Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne pushing from deep, Guardiola sensed any high balls in the box would be lost with little competition.

He aimed to tire out the hosts’ full-backs by constantly switching the play; diagonal passes to either Sterling or Silva would get them one-on-one and into positions where they could cut the ball back along the ground for the likes of Agüero.

Even from corners, when the likes of Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi were given license to go forward, Guardiola was looking to unsettle Burnley. Once again, fully aware of their strengths, he kept them on their toes by playing short corners.

They were constantly threatening from set pieces because of that unpredictability, with one leading to Danilo’s goal. It showed the faith he has in his side that both full-backs, who would usually be defending against the counter-attack on the half way line, were primed to receive the ball on the edge of the area each time.