Burnley player ratings vs Birmingham City as Connor Roberts gets the plaudits in 3-0 win
Vincent Kompany’s Clarets hit the 50-point mark in the process after winning for the eighth time in their last nine league games, which opened up an 11-point gap to Blackburn Rovers in third.
Moroccan ace Anass Zaroury needed just 48 seconds to get back on the scoresheet for his club after representing his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 22-year-old netted his fifth league goal — and seventh in all competitions — when beating John Ruddy from Connor Roberts’ cut back.
The Welshman then scored himself, making it 2-0 just seconds before the break, when swapping passes with Josh Brownhill, before finishing with his left foot after cushioning the ball with his right.
Nathan Tella, returning from a sickness bug, wrapped things up in the 93rd minute when slotting the ball past Ruddy from fellow substitute Charlie Taylor’s pass.
Here are the player ratings.
The 22-year-old netted his fifth league goal — and seventh in all competitions — when beating John Ruddy from Connor Roberts’ cut back.
5. Ian Maatsen 7
The Chelsea defender seemed a bit more selective in moments of when to stick and twist, in what was almost like a role-reversal with Connor Roberts. The 20-year-old didn't get forward as much as a result, but the defensive side of his game certainly profited from his more balanced approach. A tactical change saw him replaced by Charlie Taylor late in the second half. Photo: CameraSport - Alex Dodd
6. Jack Cork 8
The skipper's understated performance in midfield was one of the key factors that allowed the home side to control the game in the manner that they did. He smothered the play when Burnley didn't have the ball, breaking play up brilliantly, and he moved the ball quickly and efficiently when it broke. The 33-year-old showed Birmingham's young guns how it's done and he continues to look a cut above most midfielders at this level. Photo: Cameron Smith
7. Josh Cullen 8
Adds a touch of class to Burnley's midfield. His performances often go under the radar, but his presence this season has been pivotal to the league leaders' success so far. Always perfectly positioned to impact play, whether in possession or out of it, switches play efficiently and effectively, while he and Jack Cork continue to bring out the best in each other. Missed a big chance to score in the second half when firing wide of the near post after being played through on goal by Connor Roberts. Photo: Cameron Smith
8. Manuel Benson 8
Provided an attacking spark in the first half when driving into the space behind Emmanuel Longelo and isolating Auston Trusty. However, it was his vision and his collaboration with Connor Roberts that impressed the most at Turf Moor. He had a big hand in the opener, when supplying a wonderfully incisive pass into the box, and he went close to scoring on a couple of occasions, in either half. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth