City thrashes Burnley to make Liverpool wait

London

Three first-half goals saw City on its way to the most comfortable of wins at Etihad Stadium, with Foden’s superb long-range strike breaking the deadlock before Mahrez’s double just before the break.

The Algerian’s fine solo effort made it 2-0 before he added another from the spot after Ben Mee fouled Sergio Aguero, with the penalty being awarded by the video assistant referee.

It was all too easy for City against a Burnley side that did not name its full complement of substitutes for its first game since the Premier League restarted behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Foden played a starring role in the rout, starting the move that saw Bernardo Silva tee up David Silva to make it 4-0 soon after the break, and then adding a fifth himself after Gabriel Jesus helped on a David Silva cross.

By then the evening was a stroll for Pep Guardiola’s side, which is now 20 points behind the leader with eight league games remaining.

If the defending champion had dropped points against the Clarets, a win for Liverpool against Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday would have seen it officially take City’s crown.

Instead Jurgen Klopp’s side must beat the Eagles and then rely on City dropping points against Chelsea on Thursday if it is to clinch the title before it visits Etihad Stadium on 2 July.

Burnley issued a statement during the game condemning the actions of those responsible after a plane carrying a banner reading ‘White Lives Matter Burnley’ was flown over the ground shortly after kick-off.

Both sets of players had taken a knee before the game started in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Foden was given only limited game-time earlier in the season but he is threatening to end it as one of City’s main men.

The 20-year-old enjoyed the wide open spaces that Burnley increasingly gave him as the game progressed, and made the most of them with his build-up play, as well as his finishing.