The impact on the field was immediate. Kenneth enabled Manchester City to collect the ball from the back and carry it forward.
It sounded simple, but it was difficult to achieve for those with poor dribbling skills and low agility.
What Kenneth did gradually allowed Manchester City to continuously break through Burnley's midfield and defense.
In the 61st minute, Kenneth seized control of the ball near midfield, weaving past his markers with a series of precise dribbles. Despite a firm shove from Scott Arfield, he maintained his balance, showcasing composure beyond his years. As the pressure mounted, Kenneth executed an audacious flick with his heel, threading a clever pass to Aguero with pinpoint accuracy.
Aguero, ever the predator, swiveled expertly on the ball and unleashed a venomous strike from outside the box. The shot seemed destined for the top corner, but Tom Heaton, Burnley's steadfast goalkeeper, stretched to his limit and parried it away in spectacular fashion. Without hesitation, Heaton launched a quick throw to Michael Duff, igniting Burnley's counterattack.
Duff, scanning his options, sent a measured pass to George Boyd, who controlled it gracefully before surging forward. With a burst of pace, Boyd engaged Kolarov in a fierce sprint down the wing, his determination evident. As Boyd reached the byline, he whipped in a perfect cross aimed at Ashley Barnes. Rising above Vincent Kompany, Barnes directed a powerful header toward Danny Ings, who seemed poised to score, only for Demichelis to intervene clumsily, bringing Ings to the ground.
The referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling a free kick for Burnley. Trippier stepped up and delivered a curling cross into the danger zone. However, Vincent Kompany, resolute as ever, met it with a commanding header, clearing the ball to safety. Yet, before Burnley could react, Kenneth anticipated the play, darting in to intercept the loose ball just ahead of Boyd.
Kenneth immediately surged forward, his intent clear. With speed and finesse, he carved through Burnley's midfield, his deft touches leaving David Jones grasping at thin air as Kenneth shifted directions effortlessly. Crossing the halfway line, he scanned the field, his eyes locking onto Aguero's perfectly timed run. With surgical precision, Kenneth released a through ball, slicing Burnley's defense apart.
Aguero sprang into action, his acceleration leaving the defenders trailing in his wake. Bearing down on goal, he rounded the onrushing Tom Heaton with ease, then coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net, sending the Manchester City fans into raptures.
As the Etihad erupted, Aguero turned and pointed directly at Kenneth, his gratitude unmistakable. Sprinting toward his young teammate, he threw an arm around him, their smiles as bright as the moment demanded.
"Nice ball, Lee!" Aguero exclaimed.
"And your timing was perfect, Kun. You made it easy," Kenneth replied with a grin, his modesty shining through.
Trailing 0-1, Burnley, playing at home, launched an offensive against Manchester City. Sean Dyche decided to take risks, reasoning that if they didn't attack, the scoreline would likely remain 0-1.
This approach made it easier for Manchester City to create chances.
In the 72nd minute, Yaya Toure intercepted the ball from Danny Ings.
He passed it to Kenneth, who dribbled the ball to the left, forcing Scott Arfield to follow.
Recognizing Kenneth's movement, David Silva abandoned the left flank and moved to the center, where he received a pass from Kenneth. Silva then sent a through ball to Navas.
Using his speed, Navas outpaced Ben Mee and entered the penalty area with ease. He crossed the ball low to the center. Aguero softly tapped it into the corner, beyond Tom Heaton's reach.
After this goal, Pellegrini substituted Frank Lampard for Yaya Toure and Jovetic for David Silva. Confident of victory, he began preparing for the second leg against Barcelona.
In the 90+1 minute, Burnley's attempt to attack ended in another Manchester City counterattack. Hart caught the ball and threw it long to Kenneth.
Kenneth controlled it, pushed the ball past Scott Arfield, and sprinted after it. As David Jones closed in with a frustrated expression, Kenneth anticipated a potential foul and quickly passed to Jovetic. Jovetic bypassed Trippier and entered the penalty box.
Executing a cutback, Jovetic set up Kenneth, who reached the ball first. With one touch, Kenneth shot toward the far post. Tom Heaton made a spectacular save, but the rebound landed in front of Aguero, who smashed it into the net, completing his hat-trick.
It was the final goal of the match, and Manchester City won 3-0. Kenneth was named Man of the Match by the system and earned three points, which he allocated to Acceleration, Dribbling, and Ball Control.
Liverpool, Chelsea, and now Burnley—these three matches proved that Kenneth was ready to be a rotational squad player for Manchester City. Veterans like Frank Lampard would likely not mind a reduced role as long as their wages continued to flow.
After the game, Pellegrini acknowledged to the media that Kenneth's recent performances had been instrumental in navigating tough fixtures.
Pellegrini revealed that Kenneth would be included in the squad traveling to Camp Nou for the second leg of the Champions League tie against Barcelona.
"Manchester City's first goal ruined my plan. After seeing that goal, I knew if I didn't act, we would lose. So, I gambled by pushing my players to attack. Unfortunately, it didn't pay off. Still, I'm not too frustrated by this loss. We were beaten by last season's champions and a title contender this season—there's no shame in that," Sean Dyche said about Burnley's 0-3 defeat to Manchester City.
In Barcelona, inside the analysis room, Enrique and his assistants, Jose Carlos Unzue and Robert Moreno, along with several analysts, reviewed Manchester City's match against Burnley.
"Do you think we need to be cautious about their counterattacks?" Jose Carlos asked.
"No need. We'll focus on attacking. It's our strength, and this is Camp Nou. We have the greatest attacking trio in history. We can dismantle their defense here. When we attack, all their players will be forced to defend," Enrique replied confidently before leaving the room.
"You can continue analyzing and report your findings to me," he added before exiting.
Jose Carlos glanced at Robert Moreno, and both sighed heavily.
"With Messi, Suarez, and Neymar performing, Enrique isn't wrong. Still, as assistants, we need to do our job and analyze the opponent, even if it might not matter much," Robert Moreno said.
Robert nodded. "If there's a player who could change the game, I'd say it's this kid," he said, pointing to Kenneth on the screen.
"He's been consistently impressive against Liverpool, Chelsea in the League Cup, and now Burnley. I'm sure Pellegrini will bring him on in the second half if things don't go City's way."
Jose Carlos shook his head. "The pressure in the Champions League is different, especially at Camp Nou. I don't think he'll change the game. But he's a good player—Barcelona could use him as Iniesta's successor someday."
"City won't let go of a talent like him," Robert remarked.
The two assistants, along with the analysts, continued studying Manchester City, including their set pieces, penalty tendencies, and other details.