Pep Guardiola praised Vincent Kompany after Manchester City’s 3-1 win against Burnley, suggesting that Kompany could lead City someday.

On his birthday, Julian Alvarez scored twice, while Rodri added another goal to secure a comfortable win for City. Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones returned to the starting lineup, and Erling Haaland made a second-half comeback after missing 10 games due to injury.

City currently sits second in the Premier League, trailing Liverpool by five points but with a game in hand. Ahead of the match, there was a tribute to Burnley manager Kompany for his 11-year tenure at City, during which he made 360 appearances.

Guardiola praised Kompany, expressing his belief that Kompany will eventually return to City. He commended Kompany’s managerial skills, especially his work with Burnley last season.

City cruised to victory despite a late goal from Burnley’s Ameen Al Dakhil.

“Today’s game wasn’t close,” Guardiola commented. “We had more speed and runners than usual. Burnley is always tough to play against, but our quality players made the difference.”

Manchester City’s 3-1 win against Burnley: Here are the Key stats.

Manchester City has secured victories in their last 13 matches against Burnley, scoring an impressive 46 goals while allowing only 2.”

On his birthday, Julian Alvarez scored two goals, becoming the youngest player to do so in a Premier League match at age 24. Kevin de Bruyne’s assist for Alvarez’s second goal marked his 104th in the Premier League, surpassing Wayne Rooney to become the third highest assist provider in Premier League history, behind Ryan Giggs and Cesc Fabregas.”

Despite playing in only six matches this season, De Bruyne has made a significant impact, contributing to five goals with one goal and four assists. Since last season, he leads the Premier League with 32 assists, eight more than any other player.

Ameen Al Dakhil scored Burnley’s first Premier League goal against Manchester City since December 2019. City’s third goal marked Burnley’s 500th conceded in the Premier League. Among teams to reach this milestone, only Watford, Norwich, and West Bromwich Albion achieved it in fewer matches.

Goalkeeper & Defence:

Ederson: Scored 4 out of 10. Made a costly mistake leading to Burnley’s late goal.
Rico Lewis: Rated 7 out of 10. Filled in for Kyle Walker well and showed ambition in attack.
John Stones: Earned 6 out of 10. Solid in defense after a month out.
Nathan Ake: Scored 7 out of 10. Impressive performance, dominating Burnley’s forwards.
Josko Gvardiol: Rated 5 out of 10. Strong overall but beaten easily for Burnley’s goal.

Midfield:

Matheus Nunes: Earned 6 out of 10. Set up the opener but still adapting to regular play.
Rodri: Scored 7 out of 10. Physically dominant and scored a goal.
Phil Foden: Rated 7 out of 10. Linked midfield and attack well, assisting Rodri’s goal.

Attack:

Kevin De Bruyne: Earned 7 out of 10. Showed creativity, assisting Alvarez’s goal.
Julian Alvarez: Rated 8 out of 10. Impressive performance with great movement and finishing.
Jeremy Doku: Scored 7 out of 10. Threatening with his runs down the wing.

How the match unfolded?

The match kicked off with a warm reception for Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, a former Man City captain and club legend.

Alvarez netted City’s first goal in the 16th minute with a header from Nunes’s cross. Six minutes later, Alvarez struck again with an assist from De Bruyne.

De Bruyne’s assist marked his 104th in the Premier League, surpassing Wayne Rooney to claim the third spot on the all-time list.