Man City pay heavy price for lack of spine

Manchester City's Fernandinho (C) celebrates with team-mates after scoring a goal against Burnley during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England December 28, 2014. REUTERS/Phil Noble

LONDON (Reuters) - The absence of Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero cost Manchester City dear as they blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to struggling Burnley on Sunday.

The Premier League champions looked certain to cut the gap on leaders Chelsea to one point with a 10th successive win in all competitions when they surged ahead through David Silva and Fernandinho but they wilted in the second half.