MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - BURNLEY 0-3 MANCHESTER CITY

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Manchester City started the 2023/24 season in fine fashion, with a comfortable 3-0 win over Vincent Kompany's Burnley. However, the performance will be somewhat overshadowed by the recurrence of Kevin de Bruyne's hamstring injury, which looks set to keep him out for a significant period of time.

The Blues got off to a quick start, as centre forward Erling Haaland pounced on Rodri's header across goal to open his account for the season after just 3 minutes.

City were flowing in midfield, and looking to create chances, with De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Rodri and Bernardo Silva all looking sharp and confident against a Burnley side who were playing their first game back in the Premier League after a season in the Championship.

Midway through the first half, De Bruyne went down to his haunches, and ended up having to limp off shortly after, heading straight off down the tunnel.

On a more positive note, he was replaced by Mateo Kovacic, making his first Premier League appearance for City, who impressed as the right sided 8.

Despite Burnley looking a threat going forward, and creating a few decent openings, City always looked relatively comfortable, and doubled their lead 10 minutes before half time, thanks to a fantastic finish from Haaland, who curled the ball into the top left corner after a lay off from Julian Alvarez.

From this point, City were in control, with goalkeeper Ederson having very little to do between the sticks in the second half. However, Burnley's forwards still looked to test City's makeshift back 4, with the injuries to John Stones and Ruben Dias meaning City played a very different back 4 to usual.

Rodri wrapped the game up with a late third, as he was the first to react to a loose ball to poke the ball past James Trafford, after a free kick into the box from Foden.

There was a late talking point, as VAR intervened to see the sending off of Anass Zaroury in stoppage time for a late tackle on the back of Kyle Walker's calf, as he was driving forward with the ball.

Tactically, we saw a few interesting approaches that could be used this season, particularly with the added burden of De Bruyne's injury.

It'd appear City started with a 3-1-2-1-3 formation, or, as it's more commonly known, 3-4-3 diamond. Rodri was at the base of the midfield, with Rico Lewis and De Bruyne on the left and right respectively, whilst Alvarez was the man at the tip.

City continued this in the first half, with Kovacic acting as a direct replacement for De Bruyne. We also saw Bernardo move inside, playing slightly more advanced, but not as advanced as Alvarez was. Foden swapped wings to the right, and Alvarez slotted in on the left.

In the second half, City played a much more reserved midfield, with Bernardo, Kovacic and Rodri all dropping deep to show for the ball. Up front, City played more direct, with Foden and Alvarez tucking in narrow to support Haaland.

We also saw the long-awaited debut of Josko Gvardiol, City's £77 million signing from RB Leipzig. The 21 year old played at left back, where he showed a few good touches, and his ability to support the attack aggressively.

Whilst City will have much more challenging games ahead of them, an undeniable positive was their ability to continue creating chances after De Bruyne's substitution. They will have difficult games ahead of them without his creative presence, but the signings were promising, against a side who were excellent in the Championship last year.

All eyes will be turned to the Super Cup against Sevilla on Wednesday night, and then the first game at the Etihad this season, against Newcastle United on Saturday night.

Here are the player ratings for the convincing victory at Turf Moor:

Ederson - 7.5/10 - An excellent performance from the 29 year old between the sticks for City. He didn't have much to do in terms of actual goalkeeping, but his distribution was of the highest quality, as he completed every single one of his passes, including some direct balls up to Haaland.

Walker - 7/10 - Did all he needed to do defensively, plus offered a threat going forward. His low cross to Alvarez in the build up to Haaland's goal was of the highest quality, and was a perfect sign of what he offers to this City side.

Akanji - 6/10 - Unfortunately, it was a slightly shaky performance from the Swiss international. Akanji was overly aggressive at times, which left the defence exposed, not to mention some wayward passes. However, I believe that Akanji still has plenty to offer at fullback, a position I hope he will start in more often.

Ake - 6.5/10 - A solid and composed performance from Ake. Like Akanji, I think Ake plays better as a full back than a centre back, but, nonetheless, we saw a strong performance from the Dutchman, as we always do.

Lewis - 6.5/10 - Despite Burnley's attempts to rough him up, Lewis held his own out on the pitch. Like Akanji, he was guilty of a few loose passes, but given he is just 18, he didn't look out of place in the slightest.

Rodri - 9/10 - A dominating and controlling performance from Rodri, who, at the base of midfield, set the tempo of everything that went on in the game. He took up the responsibility of the defenders at times, and chipped in with a goal and an assist to boot. A brilliant performance from one of the best players in the world!

De Bruyne - 7/10 - In his brief time on the pitch, the Belgian looked sharp and lively, as he put in the cross that created Haaland's first goal. His injury will be concerning, and whilst City will be fine, with Kovacic, Alvarez, Foden, Bernardo and possibly Lucas Paqueta as cover, losing their talisman will be a big blow.

Alvarez - 6.5/10 - A much better performance from Alvarez, after a poor Community Shield outing. The Argentine was full of running and aggression, and had a few half chances too. De Bruyne's injury gives Alvarez the chance to shine; hopefully, it's an opportunity who capitalises on.

Bernardo - 7.5/10 - Showed off his excellent technical ability multiple times, receiving and moving the ball under immense pressure numerous times. He also showed his versatility, by putting in a strong performance in both centre midfield and on the right wing. Now more than ever, with De Bruyne's injury, Bernardo is crucial to Pep Guardiola's side.

Haaland - 9/10 - An excellent striker's performance from City's number 9, Haaland proved to the slim minority that doubted him that he is far from a 1 season wonder. With his 2 goals showing his excellent reactions and instinctive finishing, it wouldn't be surprising to see Haaland equal, or even better, his goalscoring tally from last season.

Foden - 7.5/10 - With a number of touches of the highest quality, Foden performed in his audition to take up the Kevin de Bruyne role. He looked direct and dangerous on the ball, and looked like a general purpose threat. Even with the potential incomings of Paqueta and Jeremy Doku, I would like to think that if Foden keeps up this form, he'll have a nailed down spot in City's side for the foreseeable future.

Substitutes:

Kovacic - 7.5/10 - An impressive performance from Kovacic, who recovered the ball well a few times, and kept it as excellently as ever. He showed a different dimension to his game, by playing a lovely ball over the top for Foden at the end of the first half.

Laporte - 6.5/10 - A good cameo from Laporte, who looked dominant in the air, and played a few nice passes, to help see out the game late on.

Gvardiol - 6.5/10 - On his Manchester City debut, the Croat showed just what he can offer in a sky blue shirt. He looked tight in possession, and unflappable when he needed to defend, plus he showed enthusiasm when supporting the attack. Overall, it was a solid debut for the 21 year old.

Palmer - 6.5/10 - With his future remaining up in the air, Palmer showed a few nice touches in his brief time on the pitch.

McAtee - Not enough time to rank.