Birthday boy Julian Alvarez was instrumental on Wednesday evening as Manchester City returned to the second position on the table after a 3-1 win over Burnley at Etihad Stadium.

Argentinian Julian Alvarez was celebrating his 24th birthday on Wednesday, and he gave himself and Manchester City a befitting birthday gift with a brace on the night when Erling Haaland was available on the bench.

Alvarez scored a brace in six first-half minutes to take his goal tally in the Premier League this season to 8 goals for Manchester City. The first goal of the game came from him in the 16th minute as he headed home from close range before chipping over Burnley’s goalkeeper just a few minutes later.

Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri added a third in the second minute of the second half, and there was time for Burnley to score a consolation of their own in stoppage time through Al Dakhil.

Spanish Midfielder Rodri was happy for Alvarez but also delighted to see Erling Haaland return from injury since the 6th of December.

“I think we started very good. We didn’t give them options. The third goal in the second half, very early, allowed us to play more at the very end. I’m so happy for him. What a good way to celebrate his birthday. He’s been brilliant this season. Of course, he’s a goalscorer. We need everyone; I am very happy for Erling [Haaland] to come back, John [Stones] also, and Kevin [De Bruyne] as well. We need all of them. We are stronger when we are all together.” Rodri said.

Manchester City have a game in hand, but they are level on point, with Arsenal with 46 points from 21 games, with the Gunners having played one game more. Liverpool, who defeated Chelsea on Wednesday night, extended their lead to 5 points.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu