ALVAREZ GETS PERFECT GIFT

Birthday boy makes it Haal right on the night

NO ERLING Haaland? No problem.

Not when you've got World Cup winner Julian Alvarez in scoring form like this to keep Manchester City's bid to win a record fourth successive league title bang on course.

This time it was Burnley's turn to be put to the sword with another performance from City that sent an ominous warning to their title rivals.

Alvarez scored twice to make it seven goals in his last seven games, while Rodri added a third to pile on the pain for the visitors before their consolation came through Ameen Al-Dakhil.

Haaland returned from injury for a 20-minute cameo - and having him back will be a priceless boost to Pep Guardiola's men.

But the unbelievable truth is City have cruised along just fine without him, mainly thanks to birthday boy Alvarez.