Burnley were left well and truly beaten as Manchester City produced a dominating display at Turf Moor in the Carabao Cup.
Both sides were largely experienced, with Sean Dyche handing James Tarkowski and Ashley Barnes their first starts of the season, while Pep Guardiola only made four changes from the weekend Premier League defeat to Leicester City.
Cole Palmer made his first start for City as they controlled the game from the first minute to last to remain unbeaten in the competition since 2016.
Youngster Josh Benson made an appearance off of the Burnley bench, replacing Barnes who was making his first appearance since New Years’ Day.
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Story of the game
Bailey Peacock-Farrell made a number of fine saves before half time to keep the game close, and Barnes worked tirelessly.
The Northern Ireland shot-stopper made a number of fine saves from Sterling, getting down low at his near post before making a smart stop on 20 minutes.
Palmer saw an effort saved but the resolve of Peacock-Farrell was eventually broken by Sterling as he scored from close range from a Benjamin Mendy low driven cross.
And just after half time, Sterling all but wrapped up the win after he tapped home in typical fashion after new signing Torres played the ball across the six yard box into the winger’s path.
Chris Wood, who was introduced at half time, opened the game up slightly and Burnley started to find space in and around the City box.
Ashley Westwood found Barnes with a couple of delightfully lifted balls forward, the striker failing to control the first but fired the second over the bar with a volley.
But, just a couple of minutes later, the game was well and truly secured as Torres grabbed his first goal since his move from Valencia, ruthlessly thrashing home after racing onto the loose ball.
Peacock-Farrell did deny Sterling his hat trick as he saved another finely struck effort with his legs.
Dwight McNeil, who was kept largely quiet throughout the game, was then denied by American keeper Zack Steffen who only had that save to make in the entire game.
The scoreline stayed the same and Manchester City progressed into the Quarter Finals for the fourth consecutive year, looking to retain the trophy once more.
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Takeaways
Pep cares about the Carabao Cup
Many managers see the League Cup as an opportunity to rest and rotate their star players and give chances to the fringe players and the younger talents.
However, as was adamant by his team selection, Guardiola was not in the mood for that tonight.
His City sides have had a lot of success in this competition and he sees this season as no different.
After the weekend drubbing at home to The Foxes, Guardiola needed to get some life back into his team and get the confidence flowing again.
A dominant win against a nearly full strength Burnley side, who have caused him problems in the past, and progression to the Quarter Finals again will do just the trick.
Burnley need new signings quickly
Where City have the depth available to have a choice on how to rotate, Dyche does not have such luxury.
With injured players returning, the squad will start to look a bit deeper, but four outfield players on the Burnley bench were youngsters, with Benson coming on.
Matt Lowton picked up an injury, so right back cover could be pretty thin if it turns out to be serious and the quality needed from the substitutes just isn’t there across all positions.
Harry Wilson would be a good acquisition but wouldn’t solve the problems caused by injuries occurred to central defenders Tarkowski and Ben Mee or any of the central midfielders.