A 2-1 victory at Burnley yesterday meant that Manchester City went to the top of the Premier League, albeit just for a few hours.

Sergio Aguero’s brace after Dean Marney’s opener for the Clarets secured Pep Guardola his ninth league win of the season, and moved City to 30 points from their opening 13 games.

They did reach the summit on Saturday afternoon, but were soon back down to third following Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Sunderland, and Chelsea’s comeback success over the previously-unbeaten Tottenham.

Nonetheless, the gap between the top three teams is just one point, and Guardiola will be satisfied that, although his side didn’t play particularly well, they still got the three points at Turf Moor.

City host Chelsea next week in what will be a serious test of both sides’ title credentials, as Guardiola looks to end the Blues’ seven-match winning run in the top-flight.

However, with City already through to the last 16 of the Champions League, they will be fighting in three competitions come the New Year, and that might call for more additions to the squad so they are competitive on all fronts.

Guardiola has chopped and changed his formation often this season, but his 4-1-4-1 seems to be particularly effective. One key area in that system is the centre of midfield, where many games are won and lost, so here is the dream City midfield, including one key January target…

CDM – Fernandinho

Brazilian international Fernandinho once again produced an excellent performance to help City come from behind to beat Burnley on Saturday.

The 31-year-old was consistently breaking up play, producing driving runs at the Clarets defence, and retaining possession in difficult situations, which is something he has done effortlessly throughout his three-year stay in Manchester.

Fernandinho is an integral part of the City midfield and, although he has the odd disappointing display like against Monchengladbach in midweek, he is usually consistent, and enables the attacking players to go on and do their bit in the final third.

CM – Ilkay Gundogan

Guardiola has used a variety of formations so far this season, but City look a much better side, in whatever system, when Ilkay Gundogan is on the pitch.

The German international was Guardiola’s first signing at the Etihad, such was the high esteem the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss held him in, but didn’t make his debut for the club until the middle of September because of injury.

Nonetheless, the 26-year-old has since made 12 appearances for City and scored five goals, including two in a man-of-the-match display against Barcelona at the start of November.

Playing Gundogan gives Guardiola more options given his ability to play anywhere across the middle, as well as deeper alongside Fernandinho, or further up alongside the likes of David Silva and co.

He’s a crucial part of this City team, and expect him to feature regularly for the side this season.

CM – James Rodriguez

City have got so much attacking talent in their central midfield areas, but Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez would trump most of them.

There was a lot of speculation about the Colombian’s future over the summer, such was his lack of playing time at the Bernabeu, but no move ever materialised.

However, he is clearly unhappy in the Spanish capital, and could seek a move away in the January transfer window.

And it’s a move City should look at once again, given that they toyed with a bid in the summer.

The 25-year-old scored 17 goals in his first season at Madrid, and he should be entering his peak years very soon. He still has a lot to offer and, if he performs anywhere near the level we saw at the 2014 World Cup, then City would have a top player on their books.