City played well below their best for much of the game, and in the first half in particular found it difficult to cope with Burnley’s direct, physical style, falling behind to Dean Marney’s superb long-range volley.
But two Sergio Aguero goals turned the game in their favour and saw them return to the top of the Premier League table, for the time being at least.
Fernandinho was impressed with the fighting qualities he saw and says winning ugly shows how determined City are to collect silverware this season.
“I think that is the spirit you need,” he said. “If you want to be a champion, you have to play a game like this.
“We expected a physical game. We analysed Burnley before and saw they play long balls and play for the second ball and they scored their goal like that – but we turned it around and fortunately we scored two goals and won today.”
City now have the best away record in the Premier League having won six and lost one of their seven matches on the road this term.
Yaya Toure, who was key to City’s second away win in the space of a week, says the Blues dealt with Burnley’s threat very well.
“Today was a similar game to Crystal Palace,” he said. “I think we’re managing better. Today was a hard, physical game. We handled it really well and we’re happy for the three points again.”
