In years gone by, Pep Guardiola had compared a trip to Burnley with visiting the dentist. Every team knows it’s going to hurt - but it has to be done.
However, there was no need for any numbing agent at the pain administered by Dr Sean Dyche on Saturday. This was just a superficial examination - a potential date with the drill that turned into a quick check-up - that Manchester City breezed through with a clean bill of health.
One goal ahead after five minutes, two-up before the half-hour was out and then an extended game of keep-ball as the Clarets sweated in the spring sun. Liverpool fans will be eager to see if there were any signs of crumbling confidence - any potential cracks in the sky blue ranks ahead of next Sunday’s mouth-watering showdown at the Etihad. In short, no, there weren’t.
