SEAN Dyche believes Manchester City are beginning to show signs of looking like Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Barcelona side.

City have started the season in fine form and they top the Premier League table with 29 goals in eight games. Seventeen of those strikes have come in their last three home games and Burnley could be in for a tough afternoon at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

While City have been ruthless in front of goal this season they have also sharpened up at the back, and Dyche is seeing signs of the way Barcelona used to play in their approach.

"I remember watching Barcelona a lot when I was a youth coach, and Man City look like that," he said.

"They shorten the pitch well, they crunch the pitch and work to get the ball back. When they get the ball back, they can play, and they do it very well because they have the top players. The adjustment seems to be that compactness."

Guardiola's side started last season in excellent form as well before dropping off the pace and finishing third in the league.

But they look an improved version of that side this season, which Dyche credits Guardiola for.

"They’ve a more settled situation, fewer changes to shape and side, a more regular 4-1-4-1 shape," he said.

"I think the work of the ball has changed, they’re pressing higher and harder and the back four are crunching the pitch.

"They’re one of the best collection of individuals in Europe. The manager has been stood by and allowed to work, they’re a strong group and a strong manager. It’s appropriate that they let him get on."

Guardiola was full of praise for Dyche when the two sides met last year, and the Clarets said he had admiration for any successful manager.

It took Dyche until he had enjoyed a full pre-season with his squad to get Burnley playing how he wanted, and there are now signs that City are beginning to look like a Guardiola side.

"It takes a bit more time. We’ve had to adapt and build a team. There are no short cuts," Dyche said.

"It’s important to remember the level of manager and level of player. No one said he should be sacked, which was good, because it still can take time.

"(Antonio) Conte went the other way as he got off to a flier. It’s good for the game that even the top people take time. It’s the same with Jose (Mourinho). The structure of the team looks a much stronger unit.

"It can take time. Often managers don’t get that time. It’s very difficult to get the time to be successful."