Manchester City moved top of the Premier League table for the first time since August with a narrow 1-0 victory at Burnley that relegated Scott Parker’s side.

On a significant night at both ends of the table, Man City followed up their home win over Arsenal with another Erling Haaland-inspired triumph to steal ahead of their title rivals on goals scored alone.

Haaland, who netted the winner against Arsenal, quickly put Man City in front, although the anticipated further goals did not follow in a frustrating if ultimately successful outing for the visitors.

Defeat for Burnley confirmed their demotion back to the Championship after a single season; they are still 13 points shy of 17th-placed West Ham United and now have only four matches remaining.

The Clarets could yet have a further role to play in the title race as they are still to visit Arsenal, on whom there is considerable pressure as Man City hit the front.

How the match unfolded

Man City seized the initiative right from the outset, with Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka forced to make a stunning save from Rayan Cherki even before Haaland’s fifth-minute opener.

Dubravka was soon helpless as the Premier League’s leading marksman raced onto Jeremy Doku’s pass and dinked a cool finish into the far corner, but further smart saves prevented Man City from adding to their lead in a dominant first half.

Cherki was again at the heart of Man City’s best attacking play, although two big opportunities fell to Nico O’Reilly, who found Dubravka on his toes.

An increasingly animated Pep Guardiola appeared to believe Man City could be doing more to force the issue amid a slower start to the second period, yet Haaland was only denied a second goal by the foot of the left-hand post.

The visitors were largely more successful in holding Burnley at arm’s length, meaning another squandered Haaland opportunity and O’Reilly’s close-range miss were not costly despite a slightly tense finish.