In the 6th round of the Premier League, Manchester City defeated Burnley 5-1 at home, and achieved 4 wins and 1 draw in the last 5 games, scoring 13 goals and conceded only two goals. The Manchester Evening News talked about several important factors that Manchester City highlighted in this game.
Linders effect
In a series of good performances in Manchester City recently, we rarely see Kloe Toure. But against Burnley, Toure seemed particularly active, especially for most of the second half, he actively encouraged players in the technical zone who had difficulty finding a breakthrough because the atmosphere on the court was a bit dull.
Sometimes, Toure also stands on the sidelines with Guardiolalin and Des, and these coaches with leadership responsibilities are working hard to boost the team. In fact, when Manchester City scored two goals in a short period of time in the second half, Linders played a more direct role on the sidelines.
After a brief conversation with Guardiola, they developed a plan to crack Burnley's defense and then successfully scored two goals by speeding up the pace of the game. Linders jumped up excitedly when Bob's goal changed the score to 3-1, then was hugged and slapped by Guardiola in the back. Apparently, the former Klopp assistant played a major role in the team's recent rebound.
Doku vs Walker
Walker returned to the Etihad Stadium and was warmly welcomed, but the pleasant experience of this Manchester City player ended here, because Doku was almost annoyed Walker.
The Belgian winger likes to get the ball and challenge his former teammates, and Manchester City also frequently launches attacks on the left, with the target pointing directly to Walker. Walker, 35, received a yellow card in the first half, making his defensive task even more difficult. Worse, in a fight, Foden's shoe nails stepped on Walker's feet.
Right-back problem
Walker has been "optimized" by Manchester City, and the team still needs to solve the right-back problem in the transfer market. Nunes got another chance to perform against Burnley, but he also exposed his defensive weakness again, failing to stop Hartman's cross, allowing Jaton Anthony to equalize the score.
Although Nunes contributed on the offensive end, he never seems to be able to do the position. Husanov and Lewis look safer this season, but Manchester City will certainly continue to look for a new right-back in the summer window next year. Ideally, Manchester City hopes to find a new Walker.