New Delhi: An early goal from Erling Haaland was enough for Manchester City to soar to the top of the English Premier League standings in a win 1-0 against Burnley that condemned them to relegation.
Haaland’s strike after five minutes helped City match their goal difference and end Arsenal’s six-month stay at the top slot.
City and Arsenal both have 70 points from 33 matches and have an identical goal difference of 37. But City’s recent 2-1 win over Arsenal gives them a better head-toe-head record and enaled them to annex the top spot.
“We played a really good game, unfortunately we missed a lot of chances. We defended better in the second half. Second half we had less problems,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“It was such a demanding game on Sunday. It is not easy after three days but in the Premier League you have to adjust.
“We are used to doing it. We competed really well, we made a really good game but it’s a pity the chances we had.”
City’s next match is the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton on Saturday.
Burnley suffered a second relegation in three seasons, after rising from the second-division Championship with 100 points.
The defeat left Burnley 13 points behond 17th-placed West Ham United with only four matches remaining.
“I came here with a dream to keep this club up. Hopefully we can do the fans proud next season,” Burnley captain Kyle Walker, formerly of City, said.