EPL: Haaland double, Esteve’s misfortune fire Man City past Burnley

Erling Haaland struck twice in the closing stages, while Maxime Esteve endured a nightmare with two own goals, as Manchester City cruised to a commanding Premier League victory over Burnley.

Pep Guardiola’s men had faced scrutiny after consecutive defeats in August, but they have quickly steadied the ship, collecting three wins and a draw to climb into fourth place.

City were gifted the opener when Esteve, attempting to clear Jeremy Doku’s rebound after Martin Dubravka’s save, turned the ball into his own net. Doku, who has been lively early this season, continued to trouble Burnley and forced another sharp stop at the near post.

Despite being under pressure for much of the first half, Burnley hit back unexpectedly. Jaidon Anthony, in fine form, scuffed a shot that deflected off Ruben Dias and found its way past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The equaliser lifted Scott Parker’s side, who threatened after the restart. Lyle Foster’s low drive rolled just wide, while Quilindschy Hartman tested Donnarumma from distance.

Their missed chances soon proved costly. Matheus Nunes restored City’s advantage with a stunning volley from Haaland’s headed layoff. Moments later, Nunes turned creator, driving a low ball across the area that ricocheted into the net off Esteve for his second own goal of the night.

Haaland then ensured the result was emphatic, striking twice late on to maintain his blistering scoring run and seal a one-sided contest at the Etihad.