Manuel Pellegrini has criticised his Manchester City side for being complacent after dropping two crucial points in the Premier
The champions were cruising against lowly Burnley after goals from David Silva and Fernandinho, however, Burnley stormed back after the break to claim a deserved 2-2 draw at the Etihad with efforts from George Boyd and Ashley Barnes.
Pellegrini believed Boyd’s 47th minute strike was offside, but he felt his side – who remain three points behind leaders Chelsea when it could have been reduced to a point – did not maintain their first-half effort.'
“Maybe winning 2-0 we thought the game was over,” he said. “But until the last whistle the game is never finished. So we couldn’t continue with the same pace.
“We played well in the first half. In the second minute of the second half, Burnley scored a clear offside goal. After that they scored their second from a rebound.
“I am not saying we are unfortunate. I am saying in football, just two balls can decide the score.
“Of course, it is a chance to have two more points, but it is not a chance for nothing else. Of course after you are winning 2-0, it is more disappointing to lose those two points but we have all the second round of games to see who will be the best team.”
Pellegrini will hope he can have captain Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure back for the New Year’s Day clash with Sunderland after hamstring and groin concerns.
Meanwhile, Burnley boss Sean Dyche praised the spirit of his side, in particular, striker Ashley Barnes who scored the crucial equaliser.
“I thought Ashley Barnes, that was arguably one of best centre-forward performances I’ve seen in a long, long time, especially against this standard of player,” he said.
“You’ve got to remember his journey, the bigger picture, he’s come from lower leagues, he’s earned and fought for the right to play at this level so why wouldn’t he take his chance?
"There were big question marks when I put him in from our fans, ‘Oh, not sure’. I think they’re a bit more sure now.
“I am aware of the league table, but when look at how team is performing, we’re not actually struggling, we’re actually playing really well.”
