'Judging Man City solely off Burnley display would be foolish game to play'
[BBC] [Getty Images] Manchester City have really missed an opportunity to gain an advantage on Arsenal by increasing their goal difference, screamed the headlines. Maybe they did, but the 1-0 win at Turf Moor still got the job done as far as Pep Guardiola and the players were concerned. After a blockbuster 2-1 win over their title rivals on Sunday - a game that really delivered on both promise and performance for both sides - there was possibly a feeling about after the Lord Mayor's show when it came to visiting relegation-looming Burnley .
Devastating Arsenal twice, Liverpool and Chelsea is one thing, but facing a team 90 minutes away from their Championship fate is another. At times, it had the feel of a testimonial. But Burnley were dogged, determined and desperate.
This was a game that City could have drawn this season. Dropped points against Nottingham Forest , Tottenham and West Ham has been the reality that City have lived the past few months. So, despite the many missed chances, coming away from this game with all three points is a testament to City's spirit and resilience of late.
When it comes to the business end of the season, you take points on the board all day long, especially coming only a few games after a gruelling title battle. City have the distraction of an FA Cup semi final against Southampton at Wembley now, one that you would assume Pep Guardiola will rotate his squad for. Despite City sitting pretty top of the table, it's Arsenal who could be six points clear again by the time the Blues play a league game.
That match is at Everton on a Monday evening, giving Pep's side a chance for a real post-Wembley rest. But Arsenal have three games before that, including a huge Champions League semi final in Spain. Even if they win their league games, just knowing how much City thrive off the thrill of the chase and the benefit that rest will give this hungry side must be an ominous thought for any fan to process.