Man City crush Burnley 5-0 to delay Liverpool coronation

London, Jun 22 (efe-epa).- Manchester City pounded Burnley 5-0 Monday for their second decisive victory in two outings since the Premier League resumed play last week after being sidelined for 100 days by the Covid-19 pandemic.

City, the two-time defending champions, climbed to 63 points from 30 matches. They now trail leaders Liverpool by 20 points and though nobody expects them to catch the Reds, Monday’s win by the Cityzens means that the Merseyside club cannot clinch their first top-flight title in 30 years for at least another 10 days.

The loss leaves Burnley in 11th place with 39 points.

Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez each had a brace against Burnley in the contest played behind closed doors at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium.

City dominated from start to finish. With 71 percent possession, the hosts outshot the visitors 18-2.

Burnley had no shots on target.

Super-sub Foden opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a shot from outside the area that hugged the post, while Mahrez completed his double within the space of five minutes.

After making it 2-0 on a great individual effort in the 43rd minute, the Algerian converted from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after Burnley’s Ben Mee brought down Sergio Agüero in he box.

Despite the commanding 3-0 lead, the home side pressed for more in the second half. The fourth goal materialized in the 51st minute, when David Silva tucked the ball in the net following a corner won by Foden, who made it 5-0 in the 63rd with an assist from Gabriel Jesus.

“It’s always good to play a part and score goals, and just enjoying my football. The main thing is I’m just happy to get the result today. We’re looking sharp and I just hope we can continue the form into the next games,” Foden told reporters after the game.

City now lead third-place Leicester City with eight matches left to play.

Liverpool need six more points to secure the title.

Assuming the Reds beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday and City prevail over Chelsea the following day, Liverpool could claim the Premier League crown with a victory over the holders on July 2 at the Etihad.

Liverpool defeated City 3-1 at Anfield last November in their first meeting of the season. EFE msg/dr