Man City fails to cut down Chelsea lead at the summit

MANCHESTER: Ashley Barnes’ dramatic 81st minute equaliser earned struggling Burnley a 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Sunday preventing the defending champions from closing on Premier League leaders Chelsea.

First half goals from David Silva and Fernandinho had apparently put Manuel Pellegrini’s side well in control as they attempted to close the gap behind Chelsea to a solitary point.

But with influential City midfielder Yaya Toure absent presumably rested goals from George Boyd and Barnes earned Burnley an improbable draw and denied Pellegrini s side a club record 10th consecutive win.

The supposed gulf in class between the sides was highlighted by the manner of City’s opening goal in the 23rd minute as Silva finished clinically to register his fourth goal in the last three games.

It came from a darting run down the right by the energetic Jesus Navas who reached the dead ball line and pulled the ball back for Silva.

The former Valencia player switched feet neatly swivelled and sent an unstoppable finish past Tom Heaton in the Burnley goal.

Yet the goal followed a promising flurry of attacking activity from the visitors. (AFP)