Julian Alvarez had a birthday to remember as his quickfire first half double helped City to a 3-1 win over Burnley.

Erling Haaland earned the pre-game headlines after returning to the matchday squad, taking his place on the bench against the Clarets.

But it was the man who’s excelled in his absence that turned on the style once again as he celebrated his 24th with a goalscoring masterclass at the Etihad.

He first pounced with a clinical header from a Matheus Nunes cross into his path before running on to a pinpoint Kevin De Bruyne throughball to guide it past James Trafford and double the lead.

CITY V BURNLEY | MATCH REPORT

Rodrigo made it 3-0 moments after the restart, firing home from a lovely Phil Foden pass into his path.

Burnley, led by former skipper Vincent Kompany, pulled one back in injury time, with Ameen Al-Dakhil turning in David Datro Fofana’s cross.

But it was merely a consolation as referee Sam Barrott called time on the match moments later.

Check out our brief highlights in the video player above.