Alvarez scores brace as Man City ease past Burnley

Julian Alvarez scored twice as Manchester City produced a dominant display to beat Burnley 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola gave Kevin De Bruyne his first start since sustaining a hamstring injury in the 3-0 victory at Burnley's Turf Moor on the opening day of the season in August.

From minute one, the hosts controlled the game, although they initially struggled to create chances.

The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Matheus Nunes, released into space by Phil Foden's pass, delivered a cross that, despite an initial poor attempt, found Alvarez unmarked for a six-yard box header.

Just six minutes later, City quickly doubled their lead with Kevin De Bruyne's smart play, sliding the ball for Alvarez to finish.

The second half saw City extending their lead, with Rodri scoring after a build-up involving De Bruyne and Foden.

City slowed down the tempo in the second half thanks to the comfortable 3-0 lead.

Burnley's late goal from Al Dakhil, in the 93rd minute, served as consolation with substitute loanee David Datro Fofana  driving into a dangerous position on the right and delivering a cross that his teammate bundled over the line after evading Ederson's reach.

With this win, Guardiola's team moved to second in the Premier League and will now focus on the upcoming Premier League fixture against Brentford next Monday, while the Clarets will host Fulham at Turf Moor in their next match on Saturday.