Going into Manchester City’s game against Burnley, every team who had played in midweek (Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Arsenal) had gone on to lose on the weekend. Burnley would have been hoping this trend would continue; however, this was not the case. Instead, Manchester City ran rampant, winning 5-0 with goals from Foden (x2), Mahrez (x2) and David Silva.
BEST PLAYER - PHIL FODEN
There aren’t many 20 year olds in world football as successful as Phil Foden, who has won the U17 World Cup (in which he was the Golden Boy) and 6 trophies with Manchester City. Foden proved why against Burnley. Deployed on the left wing, he was a constant threat, completing 2 dribbles (the most) and 1 key pass. He had the end product to match, displaying superb accuracy to net twice despite only having .18 xG! Manchester City and England fans will surely be hoping that he takes David Silva’s place once he leaves at the end of the season.
WORST PLAYER - BEN MEE
The Burnley captain put in a performance to forget against his former club, Manchester City. Despite facing an onslaught of Manchester City attacks, the centre back failed to make any tackles or interceptions. He also did not block any shots, suggesting that he passively stood off from City’s attackers, much to Nick Pope’s disappointment I’m sure. Most notably, Mee gave away an albeit contentious penalty just before halftime to go 3-0 down. Showing a lack of urgency, Aguero was able to tap the ball past him before going down.
UNDERRATED PLAYER - ASHLEY WESTWOOD
Perhaps an unpopular choice, but, as all of Manchester City’s players are rated, I’ve gone for Ashley Westwood. Westwood has amassed 5 assists this season (Burnley’s joint-highest) and from yesterday’s performance you can see why. Despite City’s infamous pressing intensity, Westwood was composed on the ball, completing the most passes of any Burnley player (44) and effectively relieving pressure by completing the greatest proportion of his attempted long balls. Also useful in defence, Westwood won all of his duels and won the ball back for his side, unlike his midfield partner, Jack Cork.
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