Bournemouth came into their game against Manchester City knowing that they were facing an uphill battle, and in the end, they just weren’t quite able to overcome the challenge of the champions as Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 3-1 winners at the Vitality Stadium.
Building confidence
Bournemouth looked strong at times throughout the game, but the gulf in quality was clear for everyone to see both in and outside of the stadium. David Silva was at the heart of everything for City, with Pep hailing the little playmaker after the game for such a fantastic performance.
Silva began the move for the opening goal of the game, which was finished off by Sergio Aguero. He then put the ball on a plate for Raheem Sterling who got his first of the day, before an absolutely stunning Harry Wilson free kick gave Eddie Howe’s side a fighting chance as we approached half time on the south coast.
Behaving like champions
Half-way through the second half City were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty as VAR played a key role once again, but just moments later, Sergio Aguero was able to put the game on ice with his second and City’s third of the day. The champions put in a professional performance from that point on to ensure that they got the best of a very determined Bournemouth side, and now, the big question is simple: how far can this team go? They had their slip-up against Tottenham last weekend, but it really does feel like they’re on the path towards something great.
Bournemouth will pick themselves up, dust themselves off and prepare to host Forest Green in the League Cup during the week. They’ll then travel to the King Power Stadium in order to take on Leicester City, which will be another tough game in itself. The next step for Pep’s City will be hosting Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend, which is another encounter they’ll be looking at as a great opportunity to build their goal difference ahead of what will be a marathon title race between themselves and Liverpool this season.
Match Report
Bournemouth: Ramsdale (6), Daniels (6), Ake (7), Cook (6.5), Mepham (6), Smith (5.5), Fraser (6), Billing (6.5), Lerma (6), King (6.5), C.Wilson (6), H.Wilson (7.5), Ibe (6), Solanke (6.5)
Manchester City: Ederson (7.5), Walker (6.5), Otamendi (6.5), Laporte (7), Zinchenko (7), De Bruyne (7), Gundogan (7), D.Silva (8.5), B.Silva (7), Aguero (8.5), Sterling (8), Rodrigo (6.5), Cancelo (6), Mahrez (6.5)
Referee: Andre Marriner
Goals: Wilson :: Aguero x2, Sterling
Yellow Cards: Lerma, Ederson, Walker, Otamendi
Red Cards: N/A
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