Manchester City Held to a Draw by Burnley in Premier League

Manchester City, comfortable leader of the Premier League, drew 1-1 against Burnley (7th) on their home ground, missing out on a third consecutive victory in the 26th round of the Premier League.

The 'Citizens', however, maintain a wide margin that allows them to reach for the league title, with 16 points more than Manchester United (2nd).

For Burnley, managed by Sean Dyche, this point has a sweet taste against a team that had only conceded two draws and one defeat.

Brazilian Danilo, formerly of Real Madrid, put the championship leader ahead with a superb right-foot strike from outside the box that went into the top corner (22nd minute). But Icelandic Johann Berg Gudmundsson (82nd) took advantage of a concentration error from his marker Kyle Walker to score the definitive equalizer with a pass from Matt Lowton.

City's 20 shots and 70% possession were not enough for Pep Guardiola's men to return to Manchester with all three points. Star signing of the winter transfer market, Frenchman Aymeric Laporte, watched the match from the bench.

Burnley had their best chance in the second half, with a shot against the crossbar from Aaron Lennon, who was signed in the January market from Everton. Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson managed to deflect the ball just enough before it was repelled by the woodwork (69th minute).

- Inexplicable Sterling Mistake -

One minute later, Raheem Sterling missed the unimaginable by sending the ball wide when faced with an empty goal after a clear pass from Walker.

Guardiola showed signs of frustration at the play, foreseeing that missed opportunity could cost his team dearly, as it ultimately did.

"Of course, we're disappointed with the result, but the performance was outstanding against Burnley, who are the most British of teams with their long balls and the way they play," explained the Catalan coach.

"But in football, it's the goals that count. We needed to score the second, third, and fourth when we had the chance. When you go into the last 15 minutes with a 1-0 lead at Burnley, this can happen," added Guardiola.

The Premier League continues on Saturday with the playing of six other matches; Manchester United will look to maintain their second place against Huddersfield (17th).

Liverpool (3rd) and Tottenham (5th) will try to close in on the 'Red Devils' on Sunday, just like Chelsea (4th), who will travel to Watford (11th).