Full-time!

There’s the whistle.

Not much to report from a quiet second half, but the points are all that matter at this stage.

Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan send City back top of the Premier League after Liverpool won earlier.

Next up: Atletico, Liverpool, Atletico, Liverpool.

Two minutes added on

Not much happening.

‘mind the gap’

City fans are seeing out this game, reminding their neighbors to mind the gap. It has now stretched to 23 points ahead of United’s match with Leicester.

Jesus has another effort

More good work from Raheem Sterling and the ball comes to Gabriel Jesus. He aims for the bottom corner, and it grazes the outside of the post as it goes wide.

Weghorst off for Burnley

Arguably an hour later than he should have been sitting off, but Wout Weghorst’s afternoon is over. He comes off for Ashley Barnes.

should be three

Bernardo Silva finds Gabriel Jesus, who hits the post. Then he sends the rebound wide when he had an even better chance to score.

Should be 3-0.

Ederson printing today

As well as some routine saves, Ederson has made some fine long-range passes today. He’s in the mood.

Bernardo eats on

Bernardo Silva replaces goalscorer Kevin De Bruyne. He’s been good today.

Burnley not helped by the referee

Craig Pawson is playing a lot of advantages, and that is not working to Burnley’s advantage.

They are getting to continue their moves, but losing out on the opportunity to apply pressure through set-pieces – a traditional strength of theirs and a chance to whip the crowd up.

Jay Rodriguez fires a shot at Ederson.

Burnley change

Second substitution for the home side, as Jay Rodriguez comes on for Jack Cork.

Close!

Kevin De Bruyne plays the one-two and sends the ball across to Gabriel Jesus.

The substitute is diving in, but can’t connect and Burnley get the goal kick.

Jesus comes on

Phil Foden is replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

Burnley penalty shout

Laporte doesn’t get any of the ball there but I’m not sure he gets any of Weghorst either, doing enough to put the striker off without fouling him.

The home fans aren’t happy obviously, but that looked at worst clumsy from the centre-back.

Then Maxwel Cornet forces Nathan Ake into a goalline clearance, but the flag goes up for an offside in the build-up.

walker strikes

Kyle Walker unleashes one, but it’s straight at Nick Pope, who has been busy this half already.

Now Gundogan has a go

Ilkay Gundogan races into the area, De Bruyne picks him out, and Pope comes out to make a second save in as many minutes.

Foden forces the save

Good work from Joao Cancelo to get the cross away. Phil Foden meets it at the near post and Nick Pope has to save him with his legs.

Three players warming up

City fans serenade Bernardo Silva as he heads down the touchline to warm up.

They will all hope they’re off to Paris before the season is out. Riyad Mahrez is also warming up, as is Gabriel Jesus.

Burnley make a change

Maxwell Cornet replaces Dwight McNeil for Burnley.

We’re back underground.

Operation: Goal Difference

With a comfortable half time lead, City need to see the second half as an opportunity to carve a chunk out of Liverpool’s superior goal difference, which could yet be the deciding factor in a tight title finish.

As things stand, the Scousers are five goals better off than the Blues – expecting City to wipe that out might be a little ambitious, especially as they will start to conserve energy for the Atletico clash in midweek.

But lopping two or three off it would be a bonus in the coming 45 minutes.

Couldn’t ask for a better 45 minutes

Half-time ratings

Ederson – Assured footwork, one fabulous pass! 7

Walker – Role in both goals 7

Laporte – Playing right-sided very well 7

Ake – Slotted in with no fuss 7

I cancel – Important outlet on left 8

rodry – Controlling midfield in style 8

Gundogan – Fine goal, functioning smoothly 8

DeBruyne – Great goal, involved in everything 8

Sterling – Two assists, causing mayhem 9

Foden – Playing as sacrificial false nine 7

Grealish – Creating space for others 7

half-time

It took City just six minutes to reclaim top spot in the ‘as it stands’ Premier League table thanks to a lovely Kevin De Bruyne goal.

Ilkay Gundogan’s well-taken second means the Blues are on course to restore their point lead over Liverpool as they controlled this first half against Burnley.

One minute added

The first half nearly navigated successfully.

Sterling stands out despite miss

That would have been the icing on the cake for Sterling but he has had a terrific half, terrorizing the Burnley defense whenever he has got on the ball.

Guardiola will be thrilled, and also wondering how he brings Mahrez back into this side.

Sterling messes it up

Raheem Sterling looks to chip Nick Pope from the edge of the area, but completely messes it up and it goes wide.

Grealish shot blocked

Jack Grealish has a pop, but sees his effort deflected for a corner.

20-up for Sterling

I have played a key role in that second goal.

Gundogan scores!

Sterling does the work, helped by Kevin De Bruyne, and Ilkay Gundogan finishes off smartly.

Burnley getting back into the game

Burnley are enjoying a better spell now.

City are still able to get out of their press but they home side are having more joy pushing out of their half and applying pressure.

City may be able to hold them off but given the encouragement they have been given when they go forward an extra cushion for the match may be their best way of protecting the lead.

City looking sharp

City are playing very well, probably better than they looked in the last few weeks before the international break. Raheem Sterling is taking on Charlie Taylor at every opportunity and looks dangerous whenever he does.

Ilkay Gundogan fires high and wide after a corner.