Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola speaks of his respect for Burnley's impressive Premier League form

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has outlined his respect for Burnley's style of play after their impressive start to the season.

City are still unbeaten at the summit of the Premier League with 49 points from 17 matches - 11 clear of second place Manchester United. 

But it is arguably Burnley who are the biggest surprise of the season so far. Sean Dyche's side are sixth in the standings, level on 31 points with Liverpool in fifth and Tottenham in fourth.

Pep Guardiola spoke of his respect for Burnley during his Friday press conference 

Burnley's 1-0 victory over Stoke on Tuesday momentarily put them fourth in the table

Speaking ahead of City's match on Saturday against Tottenham, Guardiola said: 'I never said the way we like to play is the only way.

'I am here to win games, to make people happy. I like the way Tottenham play, I said many times. I like Chelsea, Antonio Conte introduced something new in the way he plays.

'I like many things from Burnley, how they play, what they do. I have respect for Burnley and what Burnley is doing this season. When I see an opponent, I see the good things they do.

'In all the teams in the Premier League, like in the Bundesliga and like in Spain, they do good things. I have to discover, to beat them on the pitch. That is why I am manager.'

Manchester CIty are unbeaten in the Premier League and are 11 points clear in first place

Burnley were momentarily fourth in midweek after they defeated Stoke 1-0 at Turf Moor on Tuesday.

They are away to Brighton on Saturday as they look to keep the pressure on the teams battling to cement a position in the top four.