Raheem Sterling struck twice as holders Manchester City eased into the quarter-finals of Carabao Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win at Burnley.
Summer signing Ferran Torres also claimed his first goal for the club as City, bidding for a fourth successive triumph in the competition, made light work of the Clarets at Turf Moor.
Victory would have been even more emphatic for a strong-looking City side were it not for a fine performance by Clarets second-choice goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
It has been a tough start to the campaign for Burnley but the Northern Irishman's display, added to the team's general high workrate and the return from injury of James Tarkowski and Ashley Barnes, ensured there were positives for Sean Dyche.
Yet it was City's night. Given their recent injury problems, manager Pep Guardiola might have picked a less experienced side but, after Sunday's 5-2 hammering at the hands of Leicester, there was presumably a desire to deliver a strong performance.
Again there was no recognised centre forward in the continued absence of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus but Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne were in tandem. Riyad Mahrez and Ferran Torres made up a strong attack but Guardiola did find room to introduce some young blood by handing a debut to 18-year-old midfielder Cole Palmer.
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City started brightly but were frustrated a number of times by Farrell-Peacock.
The 23-year-old produced good saves to deny Sterling twice in the early stages and also kept out a Palmer chance. Rodri also drove wide and Torres shot over.
Burnley had fewer openings but Matej Vydra shot wide and both Charlie Taylor and Dwight McNeil had penalty appeals turned down after challenges in the area.
Sterling finally made the breakthrough he and City deserved 10 minutes before the interval. Benjamin Mendy whipped in a dangerous ball from the left and this time Sterling gave Peacock-Farrell no chance with a powerful first-time strike on the turn.
City could have had more before the break as Peacock-Farrell pushed away a curling effort from Sterling and Torres clipped the woodwork as he slid in at the back post.
They did not have to wait much longer as Sterling doubled his tally on 49 minutes, finishing off a good move involving De Bruyne and Torres from close range.
Burnley did not give up and substitute Chris Wood had a chance before Barnes shot narrowly over following a good move.
Yet City put the result beyond doubt on 65 minutes with an emphatic finish from Torres. Sterling failed to control a Mahrez pass but the ball ran through for Torres and the former Valencia winger raced through to slam past Peacock-Farrell.
Sterling could have had a hat-trick soon after but was again denied by Peacock-Farrell, who saved with his feet in a one-on-one situation.
Match stats
- Since the start of last season, Raheem Sterling has scored more goals in all competitions than any other Premier League player in this period (33).
- Manchester City have lost just one of their last 25 matches against Burnley in all competitions (W18 D6), winning each of the last six by an aggregate score of 23-1.
What the managers said...
Sean Dyche: "We were playing a top side, a strong side. They hurt us in the critical moments, as teams like this do. There were too many turnovers in critical areas.
"The positives for us are Ashley Barnes was out there, Tarky (James Tarkowski) was back and Bailey-Peacock is developing all the time. I'm pleased for him. He's conceded three but come off the pitch having played really well.
"I scratch my head how we can't get penalties. They tell me about these soft touches and when I ask they say there was contact. Yet when it's our players it's never enough contact.
"But, I must make clear, that doesn't mean we'd win the game. They're a top-class side."
Pep Guardiola: "Yes we are without strikers. Wherever he plays - winger, striker - I'm incredibly delighted and happy.
"When I arrived I was convinced he had incredible qualities and could play every three days, with his recovery and mentality to improve. He is a fantastic guy and a fantastic footballer.
"He's improved a lot since we arrived. He played really well. His finishing - he knows he can do it more, but I think he grew up a lot. It's important for the team with all the problems we have have up front."
What's next?
Burnley take on Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday night (7.45pm), while City face Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm), with both matches live on Sky Sports Premier League.