Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 5-1 Burnley (Premier League)

Manchester City avoided what appeared to be a potential banana skin at the half-time interval to cruise to a 5-1 home win over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Erling Haaland struck twice in the closing stages of the contest while Burnley’s Maxime Esteve endured a nightmare evening with two own goals to his name, as Manchester City stormed to a resounding Premier League win.

Questions had been asked of Pep Guardiola’s team following consecutive defeats in August, but Manchester City have steadied themselves impressively, now unbeaten in four with three victories and a draw that lifts them into fourth place upon full-time at the Etihad Stadium.

The breakthrough came in fortunate fashion for the hosts, as Esteve sliced into his own net after Martin Dubravka parried Jeremy Doku’s low strike. The Belgian winger, who is in fine form at present, continued to trouble Burnley, drawing another sharp stop at the near post.

Despite being second-best for much of the opening period, Burnley drew level out of nowhere. Jaidon Anthony, in excellent form himself, bundled home an effort that flicked off Ruben Dias on its way past Gianluigi Donnarumma – the Italian’s first goal conceded at the club.

Scott Parker’s men carried that momentum into the second half, with Lyle Foster’s skidding attempt shaving past the post via a deflection, before Quilindschy Hartman forced Donnarumma into action with a powerful strike from distance.

But their resistance was broken when Erling Haaland cushioned a header into the path of Matheus Nunes, who lashed a volley into the roof of the net. Nunes then turned creator, drilling a ball across goal that Oscar Bobb diverted goal-bound, only for Esteve to provide the final, decisive touch for his second own goal of the contest.

Erling Haaland then ensured there was no way back for Burnley, adding two late finishes to extend his outstanding goalscoring start to the campaign and wrap up a dominant afternoon for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Following a comfortable victory, in the end for Manchester City, here are our full Player Ratings from those that starred for Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6

Had little to do for much of the first half and was helpless for the deflected equaliser. Reacted sharply after the break to keep out Quilindschy Hartman’s strike.

Matheus Nunes – 8

Delivered one of the game’s highlights with a superb volley from Erling Haaland’s knock-down. Later turned creator with the cross that led to Maxime Esteve’s second own goal. A very bright showing from the midfielder-turned-full-back.

Ruben Dias – 6.5

Solid for most of the game, but the centre-back was unlucky to see Jaidon Anthony’s effort deflect off him into the net. Helped Manchester City keep control defensively after that setback.

Josko Gvardiol – 6.5

Nico O’Reilly – 7

Nico – 8

Tijjani Reijnders – 7

Phil Foden – 7.5

Savinho – 6

Erling Haaland – 8.5

Clinical as ever, Erling Haaland showed his trademark ruthlessness by netting twice in the closing minutes. He also played a key role earlier, setting up Matheus Nunes with a clever knock-down. Standard procedure really from the big man.

Jeremy Doku – 8.5 (Player of the Match)

Bright and direct down the wing, Jeremy Doku’s early low strike forced the error that led to Maxime Esteve’s first own goal. He continued to test Burnley with his pace and drew another strong save from Martin Dubravka. This is a new form of the Belgian, and it’s hugely exciting!

Jeremy Doku vs Burnley:

1 Assist
72 Touches
36 Accurate Passes
86% Pass Accuracy
21 Touches In Opposition Box
10 Duels Won (Most)
7 Successful Dribbles (Most)
3 Shots On Target
3 Chances Created (Most)
3 Passes Into Final Third
2 Recoveries
2 Was Fouled (Most) pic.twitter.com/HUU8QbHyG1

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) September 27, 2025

Substitutes

Oscar Bobb – 6.5

Lively when involved, Oscar Bobb’s run into the box and shot contributed to Manchester City’s fourth goal, though it ultimately went down as Maxime Esteve’s own goal.

Nathan Ake – 6

Rico Lewis – N/A

Bernardo Silva – N/A