Manchester City go top above Liverpool after Aguero goal beats Burnley

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:23 am

Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League after Sergio Aguero's goal earned them a 1-0 victory away at Burnley.

City arrived at Turf Moor knowing that wins in their final three matches against Burnley, Leicester and Brighton would guarantee them retaining their title.

However, failure to pick up maximum points in any of those matches would mean Liverpool would be crowned champions with maximum points from their final two fixtures against Newcastle and Wolves.

After a quiet first half in which the best chance fell to Burnley forward Chris Wood, City turned the screw after the break and penned Burnley in for the early part of the second period.

Sergio Aguero celebrates with his teammates after his goal gave Manchester City the lead against Burnley.
Getty

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton was called upon to make several desperate saves, while there were last-gasp clearances off the line.

But the home side's resistance was eventually broken when Aguero's effort hit Matt Lowton on chest and the backspin on the shot sent the ball backwards. And despite Lowton clearing it, the watch on referee Paul Tierney's wrist signalled the ball had crossed the line.

City thought they had a second on 74 minutes when Gabriel Jesus had rounded Heaton, but his effort was sensationally cleared off the lined by Ben Mee.

Pep Guardiola's men have now returned to the top of the table courtesy of this result, on 92 points with Liverpool a point further back. Burnley stay 15th.