Arrived with few certainties, Manchester City leave Burnley full of confidence and points in the opening match of the first day of the 2023/2024 Premier League after a clear 3-0 victory, with a brace from Erling Haaland (4th, 36th) and an achievement by Rodri (75th). The outgoing English champion, who started without his rookies at kick-off but lost Kevin De Bruyne to injury, is starting his quest for a fourth championship in a row well, which would be a first in the history of the Premier League.
Almighty last season with a hat-trick, Manchester City already lost an opportunity to fill their trophy cabinet last week by letting the Community Shield escape them against Arsenal (1-1, 1-4 on tab). Faced with a promoted Burnley, the Citizens did not have time to let doubts settle. Erling Haaland took advantage of a combination from a corner to open his goal counter (4th) with a clear shot into the box.
Brilliantly promoted (101 points in the Championship, best attack and best defense), Vincent Kompany’s men reacted by setting up very high pressing. Insufficient to shake the reigning European champions who had a few scares of recovery via Akanji (15th, 29th). The only bad news of the evening came from the exit of Kevin De Bruyne, visibly affected in the hamstrings (20th).
The return of Mateo Kovacic in place of the Belgian caused a few minutes of hesitation in the midfield, and the Clarets tried to intensify their pressing. They were quickly punished by Erling Haaland. On a tumble on the right wing, Kyle Walker crossed for Julian Alvarez. The young Argentinian controlled then, intelligently, put away for his Norwegian attacking partner who offered himself a double with a beautiful roll (36th).
Superior in all areas of the game, the Citizens managed in the second half until they saw Rodri try his hand at long shots (55th, 68th). The Spanish midfielder, probably the best player on the pitch, scored the knockout goal by taking advantage of a mess in the opposing area (75th). Pep Guardiola was able to give a few minutes to Josko Gvardiol, freshly recruited from Leipzig. Another point of satisfaction, this success also allows the SkyBlues to end a series of two unsuccessful trips (one draw, one defeat) in the Premier League.
An accounting perfect result as the title contenders open their season tomorrow. Arsenal will host Nottingham Forest (1.30 p.m.) at the Emirates, Newcastle will host Aston Villa (6.30 p.m.), Tottenham will go to Brentford (Sunday, 3.30 p.m.) and the clash of this first day will oppose Chelsea to Liverpool (Sunday, 5.30 p.m.), while Manchester United will conclude this first day against Wolverhampton on Monday (9 p.m.).