Erling Haaland Returns for Man City in Win Over Burnley

Erling Haaland played for the 1st time in 56 days by making a late cameo in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Burnley. Julian Alvarez had earlier scored two goals.

Erling Haaland played for the first time in 56 days by making a late cameo in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Burnley.

Haaland had missed City's previous 10 matches after suffering a foot injury in a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on December 6.

In his absence, City recorded nine wins and a draw.

Pep Guardiola's men fared pretty well without Haaland for the first 71 minutes of Wednesday's game too.

Julian Alvarez - who was celebrating his 24th birthday - scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season to fire the home side into a 2-0 lead before half-time.

His first of the game was a close-range header following a cross from Matheus Nunes, before Kevin De Bruyne provided a bright assist with a quick free-kick.

Julian Alvarez pictured (center) celebrating after scoring two goals for Manchester City in a 3-1 win over Burnley :: IMAGO/Action Plus/David Blunsden

Rodri then put City out of sight with a low strike from 18 yards just 24 seconds into the second half.

With the game won, Guardiola took off De Bruyne 26 minutes later and the Etihad Stadium stood to applaud the return of last season's Premier League Golden Boot winner.

Haaland only touched the ball eight times during his first outing of 2024 but he recorded two shots, both of which missed the target.

City striker Erling Haaland made his first appearance of 2024 in Wednesday's game :: IMAGO/PA Images/Martin Rickett

At the other end, Burnley denied City a clean sheet when Ameen Al-Dakhil bundled home from two yards in the third minute of added time. 

Wednesday's win saw City move above Arsenal into second place in the EPL table.

However, the reigning champions would still end the night five points behind leaders Liverpool, who beat Chelsea 4-1 at Anfield.

Highlights: Manchester City 3-1 Burnley