Defour made his first Premier League appearance since January as the Clarets were beaten 5-0 by the champions at the Etihad Stadium.

And the midfielder was happy to play 75 minutes to help get back up to speed at the top level, with his return a welcome boost for the Clarets as they prepare for Sunday’s visit of Chelsea and then back-to-back away games at Leicester and West Ham ahead of the next international break.

“I felt very good. Physically it went well,” said Defour. “You know it’s a tough one to come out here and you know you’re not going to touch a lot of the ball.

“But it felt good and you have to start somewhere to get the rhythm of the Premier League.

“It was important for me to get out there to get that rhythm, for today at least, and get ready for the coming weeks. That’s why it was important to go out there.”

Defour was powerless to stop City romping to a fifth successive home win and a place back at the top of the table once they had struck twice early in the second half.

But he admitted City’s second goal – awarded following confusion over a penalty decision and after the ball had gone out of play – had ‘cut the legs off’ Sean Dyche’s men as they battled to stay in the game.

Defour told Clarets Player HD: “At 2-0 was really hard done by, because it’s a controversial decision. You’re trying to get things right and then 3-0 comes so fast.

“When City are full of confidence they just keep on going, and even on the bench they had some great players.

“Last year they were too good for everybody and this year they also appear to be very good.

“It’s not here where we have to take the points. We will have other opportunities and then we have to be ready.”

POS	Team	PL	PTS
15	FOR	5	5
16	BUR	5	4
17	BRE	5	4

POS	Team	PL	PTS
15	FOR	5	5
16	BUR	5	4
17	BRE	5	4

Premier League table

Premier League table