Haaland had been sidelined for nearly two months by a foot injury, but City barely missed the presence of the Norwegian as they won nine and drew one of the 10 games when he was absent.

Julian Alvarez again stepped up in Haaland's absence as the Argentine struck twice on his 24th birthday to effectively end the game at the Etihad as a contest inside 22 minutes. The Argentine headed in from Matheus Nunes' cross and then finished off a clever free-kick from Kevin De Bruyne.

Rodri made it 3-0 inside the first minute of the second half, but Pep Guardiola made the expectant home crowd wait until 15 minutes from time for Haaland's introduction.

Rather that a goalscoring return from last season's Golden Boot winner, it was the Clarets who struck next to end a run of 22 consecutive City goals in league meetings between the sides.

Ameen Al Dakhil struck four minutes into stoppage time, but it was no more than consolation for the Clarets, who remain second bottom and seven points adrift of safety.

January 31, 2024

City climb up to second and within two points of Liverpool prior to the conclusion of their clash against Chelsea later on Wednesday. Tottenham needed the inspiration of a half-time team talk from Ange Postecoglou to come from behind against Brentford.

Neal Maupay gave the Bees a deserved half-time lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But Spurs hit back with three goals in the first 11 minutes of the second period.

Destiny Udogie blasted home from close range to level before Brennan Johnson tapped in Timo Werner's low cross at the back post. Tottenham appeared to have the points won when Richarlison turned in his ninth goal of the season.

However, an error from Udogie teed up Ivan Toney to score his second goal in as many games since returning from an eight-month gambling ban.

Spurs held on through seven minutes of added time to edge above Aston Villa on goals scored into fourth as the battle for a place in next season's Champions League hots up.

January 31, 2024

A. Al-Dakhil

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