Manchester City returns to top of EPL
Pep Guardiola’s side visited Turf Moor needing a win to overtake Liverpool at the top of the table and the vital goal came midway through the second-half, courtesy of Sergio Aguero. The Argentine striker managed to twist away from his defenders before directing a shot at goal. His effort looked to have been cleared off the line at first by Burnley’s retreating defenders but the referee relied on goal-line technology to award the visitors the all important goal.READ: Lionel Messi inspires Barcelona to La Liga title with 3 games to spareThe use of technology, which showed the ball had crossed the line by a matter of inches, demonstrates how tight it is at the top of the table. With its 12th consectuive league victory, City moves one point above Liverpool with just two games remaining. Perhaps importantly, Jurgen Klopp’s side also face tough fixtures in the UEFA Champions League with a semifinal clash against Barcelona on Wednesday to contend with. READ: Racism in football: ‘Worst thing you can do is leave the pitch,’ says MidoThis wasn’t a typical Manchester City performance though. The beautiful attacking football that fans have grown to expect was replaced by a scrappy display, typified by the goal.Credit, though, must go to Burnley who despite having very little possession, did well to keep Manchester City at bay for long periods of the game.Goalkeeper Tom Heaton was kept on his toes throughout the match and was equal to the challenge on more than one occasion. Aguero, who has netted 20 times in the league, has certainly scored more impressive goals this season but his ricocheted effort helped City take a huge step to securing the title. “I am so very happy for the win and now we have one week now to prepare for the next game,” he told Sky Sports after the game.”I think it was over the line! I am very happy with the goal because the first half we had chances. I was happy for the technology.”After being knocked out of the Champions League at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, Guardiola can concentrate solely on winning his two remaining league games before taking on Watford in the FA Cup final on May 18. The Citizens host Leicester City next before traveling to Brighton on the last day of the season. Meanwhile, Liverpool face an away game at Newcastle before hosting Wolverhampton, needing City to slip up along the way. “We controlled our position, the pitch was so dry and difficult to move the ball about, and three more points with two games left – an important victory yes,” Guardiola said to Sky Sports after the match. “We could have won by more distance, I’m so happy for the victory and now we have a week to prepare and hopefully we arrive at Brighton with the chance to be champions.”