As Pep Guardiola’s rage against the challenges his Manchester City players are being subjected to increases, there were plenty of positives to take from his side’s comfortable win against West Bromwich Albion.
As well as going 15 points clear at the top of the table there was an impressive debut from record signing Aymeric Laporte who impressed at the back only a few hours after his arrival from Athletic Bilbao.
But the victory also came at a cost. David Silva limped off in the first half and Fernandinho could face a ban after appearing to stamp on Grzegorz Krychowiak.
That was minor in comparison to two challenges by first James McClean and then Matt Phillips who both should surely have seen red.
It is however, sadly unsurprising none were forthcoming from the hapless Bobby Madley.
That takes the tally of potential leg-breaking challenges on City players that went unpunished to eight this season.
Burnley will offer another tough test when City make the short journey to Turf Moor on Saturday lunchtime.
City won there last season 1-2 in a typically physical encounter. They will expect the same again this time around.
Silva could well be missing and it will be interesting to see if Laporte is thrust into the firing line so early in his Manchester City career.
Pep Guardiola may well opt for the experience of skipper Vincent Kompany who was an unused substitute in the win over the baggies.
John Stones should also be back in contention while the impressive performances of Bernardo Silva of late have also been a welcome tonic.
Injuries mean the City line-up may well be predictable but that has not helped many teams in their planning this season.
Burnley are without a win this year but City will take any kind of win at Burnley and it will be hard earned if they get it.
With crucial games ahead, Guardiola will just want to get this one out of the way and look forward to a rare seven-day break before their next game at home to Leicester.
