Ashley Barnes rescues point for Burnley against Manchester City

By Benjamin Topliss | 28 Dec 2014 16:55, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:11

Ashley Barnes's late goal rescued a point for Burnley this afternoon as they battled back for a 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.

Goals from David Silva and Fernandinho had put City in control at the break, but Burnley produced a spirited second-half performance to mount a comeback and were good value for a point in the end.

City, who were looking for a club-record 10th successive win in all competitions, saw plenty of the ball during a dominant opening period. Their passing game was sharp, meaning that the visitors had to do a lot of chasing.

A corner from the left by the home side was met by Martin Demichelis at the back post, but his volley was blocked.

When Burnley did win possession back, they struggled to keep hold of it and often gifted it straight back to their opponents.

A half-chance for City saw Samir Nasri work himself some space in the box, only to have his effort snuffed out.

Makeshift striker James Milner then got in front of his marker at the near post before scooping the ball over the crossbar.

After City's period of dominance, Burnley grew into the game, but Demichelis reacted quickest and hoofed the ball clear when Barnes tried to pick out Danny Ings.

Moments later, Barnes came close to tapping in Kieran Trippier's whipped ball across the six yard box.

Their good work was undone by Silva, who turned with his back to goal before firing a low shot past Tom Heaton.

Fernandinho doubled his side's advantage 10 minutes later with a fine strike from 25 yards out, which went in via the crossbar.

It appeared a daunting task for Burnley to get back into the game, but George Boyd gave his side the perfect start to the second half by poking the ball home after getting on to a shot by Ings.