The Premier League season has resumed, and Erling Haaland’s Golden Boot-defending backline had a fantastic start with a brace in Manchester City’s commanding 3-0 win on opening day against newcomers Burnley at Turf Moor. In a match featuring familiar faces, former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany on the sidelines for the Clarets, and former Man City goalkeeper James Trafford both scored, all in favor of Man City.
It took just 4 minutes for Haaland to open the scoring with a brilliant assist from Rodri, doubling the lead in the 36th minute with an exquisite finish after a well-placed pass from Julian Alvarez. Rodri had a chance to score the third goal, but it was a match that could have raised concerns for the City.
Kevin De Bruyne left the field after only 23 minutes due to a hamstring injury, which seems more severe than initially expected. He was replaced by Mateo Kovacic in his Manchester City debut. Josko Gvardiol also made his club debut.
While the Clarets were ready to return to the competition, their media caused some issues for City, and Turf Moor witnessed an unfortunate incident where a projectile, reportedly a bullet, was thrown at Rico Lewis before being identified and ejected from the stadium. There was also a pitch invader during the match, adding a bit of chaos as Burnley’s return to the Premier League began with a little bit of everything, including a late red card for Burnley’s Anass Zaroury.
Manchester City overcame Burnley to start the Premier League season with an easy victory, but it’s a match that will raise some concerns after Kevin De Bruyne left the game due to a hamstring injury after just 23 minutes. Replaced by Mateo Kovacic, making his Man City debut, unfortunately, this has become a familiar sight for Man City, as De Bruyne suffered a hamstring tear last season, causing him to miss Man City’s historic Champions League victory.
Guardiola confirmed after the match that it was a hamstring injury, and De Bruyne will be absent indefinitely.
