Man City go top as Burnley are relegated

Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table after beating relegated Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor, while Leeds United snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw at Bournemouth in a thrilling evening of Premier League action.

Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the game at Turf Moor in the sixth minute, latching onto a precise through ball from Jeremy Doku and dinking over goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to claim his 24th Premier League goal of the season. The result confirmed Burnley’s relegation to the Championship.

City’s win puts them level on 70 points with Arsenal after 33 games, but ahead on goals scored, making them Premier League leaders for the first time since the opening week of the season.

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City manager Pep Guardiola was pleased with the three points but acknowledged his side could have done more in front of goal.

“The chances were there, we created a lot, we made a fantastic game. It was demanding but we played a good game but missed some goals. There was no frustration, why would there be any frustration? We won the three points and are top of the league right now,” Guardiola said.

Haaland shared the sentiment, saying “We had a lot of chances but I’m happy that we win, that is the most important thing. 1-0 is amazing, I am super happy. We win we get three points and as they sing we are top of the league.”

City defender Matheus Nunes admitted the game was tighter than the scoreline suggested. “It was difficult, they had chances and we could have been stood here having a different conversation. It doesn’t matter if you win 5-0 or 1-0, it’s still three points,” he said.

Burnley defender Kyle Walker reflected sombrely on the relegation. “It was a disappointing evening for Burnley Football Club. Unfortunately now we are relegated and we have to play the remainder of the games and have to play them with that level of performance. That was what we needed in that patch where we didn’t get the victories that we needed,” Walker said.

At the Vitality Stadium, Leeds pulled off a remarkable late comeback to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth. Junior Kroupi gave Bournemouth the lead in the 60th minute before James Hill scored an own goal to level things up. Bournemouth struck again through Rayan in the 86th minute, only for Sean Longstaff to volley home in the 97th minute to earn Leeds a priceless point.

Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu praised his side’s never-say-die attitude. “Leeds United never gives up. That is one of the things that is important when you wear the shirt. We have shown that throughout the season. We back each other to score no matter what has happened in the game and no matter the score,” he said.

Goalscorer Longstaff described the dramatic finish. “I was just trying to make sure I got a half-decent contact on the ball. In those situations you don’t try to pick a spot but just hit the ball as hard as you can. I got that advice off Alan Shearer when I was at Newcastle,” he said.

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke remained cautious about celebrating their safety despite sitting on 40 points. “I am experienced enough in this business to only celebrate when it is mathematically done. We are on 40 points and are seven games unbeaten in all competitions. Why should we lose the last four games? It was a priceless point for us and now we go away confident and in a good mood,” Farke said.