“It certainly was not on purpose. I think I have my studs fitted on the leg, but it goes to the ball.” Vincent Kompany insists that there was no harm in his controversial challenge on Aaron Lennon in Manchester City’s defeat of Burnley on Saturday. Burnley boss Sean Dyche believed the city captain should have been sent out for his big challenge at Lennon in the first minute at the Etihad Stadium.

Lennon could continue on treatment and after that, he could play, but Dyche also revealed that the Clarets wing wanted to have two stitches in a wound on the thigh. Kompany said, “It was definitely was not on purpose. The things happening a somewhat blindside. I think I have my studs on the leg, but it goes to the ball. “I think I got it and luckily he was not hurt. That’s the most important thing.” City took advantage of winning 5-0 and keeping their place at the top of the Premier League.

With only nine games, City has already scored 23 goals and admitted only three. Kompany feels that the side has improved at both ends of the track since last season – although last season the club wins the title with a record 100 points and 106 goals. The Belgian defender said, “We are working hard, trying to improve everything.

“You can look at the five goals and say,” How good is the attack? It’s a mistake; it’s the team that builds it from the back. And if you look at the fact, we do not admit and say,” How good is the defense? “It’s also a mistake. The strings press the front and make sure we restore the ball quickly so we do not admit too many chances. That’s what we’ve been working on, so the team can play both sides of the game.”