JOE HART

The Clarets keeper made a couple of excellent saves in the first half, first stopping Sergio Aguero from close range and then keeping out David Silva's header with a fine one-handed stop.

It will have been a surreal moment for the 31-year-old who was making his first return to the Etihad Stadium since his permanent exit from Manchester City.

The keeper was given a warm reception from supporters and opposition players and managers alike before kick off and he will always be fondly remembered in East Manchester.

His performance was strong but he will have wished for a quieter afternoon and a more positive outcome.

CITY'S SECOND

There was no doubt that this was the game's major talking point.

Leroy Sane went down too easily under Jack Cork's challenge for my liking but referee Jon Moss moved the whistle to his mouth and seemed set to award a spot kick.

Players and fans awaited the decision before the official changed his mind and waved play on.

The ensuing delay meant Burnley, and a number of City players switched off expecting a whistle which never came.

David Silva played on, nipped to the byline and pulled back for Bernardo Silva to score but the ball had gone out of play.

Burnley and Sean Dyche were incensed. It could have been a free kick for a Sane dive or a goal kick but instead it was 2-0 City.

However, at least some of the Clarets' frustration must be down to their own shortcomings when they collectively switched off.

STRIKING A BALANCE

Sam Vokes was given the nod at City as Dyche reverted to a five-man midfield.

The Welshman had scored for his country in the international break and had scored in each of Burnley's two previous campaigns.

The frontman's strength is in the air but, aside from a first minute free kick and a second half corner, there were not enough deliveries from wide areas.

If Vokes is going to be the focal point of the attack then Burnley need to make more of an effort to get the ball into the box.

The 28-year-old or Chris Wood have started all of Burnley's Premier League games while Ashley Barnes and Matej Vydra have just two starts apiece. The latter has had to work his way up to full fitness following his summer move from Derby County but his different skillset is one worth exploring when Chelsea come to town next weekend.

STEVEN DEFOUR

The midfielder was something of a surprise name in the starting XI.

He had not featured in a Premier League game since January and was expected to be among the subs as he continues his comeback from injury.

But Dyche opted to throw the Belgian into the fray.

In truth, it was a difficult afternoon for the midfielder in a game where the Clarets had very little possession.

He came through 75 minutes but, one slide rule pass into Johann Berg Gudmundsson aside, was unable to create too much.

Nonetheless, it is clear the 30-year-old can bring so much to this Burnley team and this appearance is a strong milestone as he bids to get back to his best.

SOMETHING MISSING

A charge levelled at the Burnley clash of 2018-19 is that they don't seem to be quite the same side as they have been previously under Dyche.

That is probably a fair assessment but it is one thing saying it and another thing being able to pinpoint a difference.

Against City, the Clarets worked hard and retained a strong shape defensively for the first hour.

They tired and collapsed somewhat after the second went in but, at times played some neat football and looked to pass the ball.

Perhaps in trying to mould themselves into a Premier League side they have lost some of that identity of previous years.

If they can mould the two together there is no doubt there is enough in this squad to finish comfortably in mid-table.