There were a lot of positives in players coming in and getting fit
Burnley went out of the League Cup tonight, beaten 3-0 at home by Manchester City and that allowed their manager Pep Guardiola the opportunity to speak about another win against the Clarets, a sixth in succession since the draw at the Turf in February 2018.
Speaking after the game, he said: “It was important we didn’t conceded and the team was good in general. We are still far away from our best because we’re not training much. We have a lot of players out, six because of COVID and four injuries, but step by step, when we have all the squad, we will get better.
Torres scored the final goal but Guardiola also spoke about Raheem Sterling who scored the first two goals. He said that the England international is able to cover for the absent Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus. “Raheem has ability wherever he plays,” he said. “I Am incredibly delighted and happy with what Raheem gives me personally, but also this team, since we arrived four years ago.
“I was convinced he was a guy with incredible qualities. He can play every three days, his recovery, his desire to improve, he is a fantastic guy. I think he has improved a lot since we arrived, with his work ethic and dedication. With his finishing he knows he can do more, but he’s grown up a lot.”
For Sean Dyche, it brought to an end his longest run in this competition since his first full season in charge of Burnley when we also reached the fourth round back in 2013, but it also was a night when he was able to welcome back two of his injured players.
“I thought there were a lot of positives in players coming in and getting fit,” he said. “Barnesy got a run and we only took him off at the end to make sure his recovery continues. He’s coming back smoothly. I thought he did really well and I was really pleased with his performance. He got himself into some good positions and worked ever so hard across the line for the team, defensively in and out of possession.
“I’m really pleased for him. It’s been a very frustrating time, but as you saw tonight he’s active. The light is back in his eyes and he’s definitely in contention now, along with Tarky, who will get back to sharpness, after a period out.”
The one name on everyone’s lips tonight was that of Bailey Peacock-Farrell who was making his home debut in goal and made a number of excellent saves. “Bailey delivered a very good display and I think he’s maturing all the time as a goalkeeper,” Dyche said. “He’s been improving in the background, a bit like Nick did and he’s got a big stature now. He’s been working ever so hard in the gym to get a bigger frame, and there was a lot to like from him tonight, on a night when we made too many mistakes and they punished us.”
While admitting that City were the better side, he was again confused at how we don’t get the sort of penalties other teams do. He added: “I have to mention two penalties we didn’t get, because they are both penalties in the modern game. Whenever I question the powers that be, they keep telling me if there is contact in the box and someone goes down, it’s a penalty. Others get them. but we all know our record on getting penalties.
“That said, I must make it clear that they are a top side and we know sides like this can hurt you, and they did. But against sides like this, you do need those big decisions to go for you. They are massively important when you play these top sides, and when they got clinical moments tonight, they took them well.”
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