Mahrez Scores Hat-trick As City Drive Five Past Burnley
Riyad Mahrez scored his first Manchester City hat-trick as Pep Guardiola’s side beat Burnley 5-0 at Etihad Stadium for the fourth time in a row.
The Algerian curled two first-half efforts into the corner to ease any concerns about a perceived City scoring drought.
Benjamin Mendy drove home Kevin de Bruyne’s cross for his first City goal before half-time and Ferran Torres turned home his first Premier League goal after the break following a brief period of Burnley pressure.
Mahrez steered the hosts to their biggest win of the season by completing his first treble since scoring all three for Leicester City in a victory at Swansea City in December 2015 as the Foxes marched towards the title.
It could have been worse for visitors Burnley – and their keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who was making his Premier League debut with first-choice Nick Pope missing because of injury.
In addition to De Bruyne slamming a shot against a post in the final minute, Torres and Gabriel Jesus both had goals disallowed for offside – with both having involved major mistakes from the Northern Ireland keeper.
“It was important to come back with a victory in the Premier League,” said City boss Guardiola, whose side had lost 2-0 to Tottenham in their previous league game.
“We play a lot of games so to play 90 minutes and maintain a good level is not easy, but there are always things to improve on.
“It’s important for our people to score goals and it is a chance for them to keep playing.”