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Riyad Mahrez’s first goal for City was his 100th Premier League appearance (59 goals, 41 assists)
Riyad Mahrez scored his first hat-trick for Manchester City when Pep Guardiola’s team beat Burnley 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium for the fourth time in a row.
The Algerian curved two first-half efforts into the corner to ease any concerns over a supposed City goal drought.
Benjamin Mendy drove home a Kevin de Bruyne cross for his first City goal before half-time and Ferran Torres converted home his first Premier League goal after half-time following a brief period of pressure from Burnley.
Mahrez led the hosts to their biggest win of the season by completing their first hat-trick since scoring all three for Leicester City in a victory at Swansea City in December 2015 as the Foxes marched to the title.
It could have been worse for the Burnley visitors and their goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who was making his Premier League debut with Nick Pope absent due to injury.
In addition to De Bruyne hitting a post in the last minute, both Torres and Gabriel Jesus had goals disallowed for offside, and both made major mistakes by the Northern Ireland keeper.
“It was important to come back with a victory in the Premier League,” said City manager Guardiola, whose team had lost 2-0 to Tottenham in their previous league game.
“We play a lot of games, so playing 90 minutes and maintaining a good level is not easy, but there are always things to improve.
“It is important for our people to score goals and it is an opportunity for them to continue playing.”
