Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with Erling Haaland scoring a brace to lead the hosts. The win allowed City to leapfrog Bournemouth into second place in the Premier League, reducing Arsenal's lead to six points. Pep Guardiola praised Bournemouth's outstanding performance despite the loss.
Manchester City returned to winning ways after a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, hosting Bournemouth, who had beaten Nottingham Forest 2-0 and sat second in the table entering the match. The game kicked off at 4:30pm UK time, with City lining up in an attacking formation: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Gonzalez, Silva, Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland. Bournemouth fielded: Petrovic, Truffert, Senesi, Broons, Scott, Adams, Tavernier, Diakite, Jimenez, Kroupi Jr, Semenyo.
The match started frantically, with Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi having a goal disallowed for offside in the opening minute. City responded, and in the 17th minute, Rayan Cherki's cushioned header released Haaland, who slotted past Djordje Petrovic for 1-0, his 12th Premier League goal of the season. Bournemouth equalized in the 25th minute when Tyler Adams volleyed home from Alex Scott's corner after Gianluigi Donnarumma's mishandling, marking Adams' first goal in English football.
City regained the lead in the 33rd minute, Cherki again providing a quick pass for Haaland to round Petrovic and score from a tight angle, making it his fourth consecutive home game with at least two goals. Half-time arrived with City ahead, though Bournemouth created chances, including a save from Antoine Semenyo.
In the second half, Bournemouth pressed early with efforts from Lewis Brooks and Kroupi forcing saves from Donnarumma. City sealed the win on the hour mark when Phil Foden set up Nico O’Reilly for a low shot into the bottom corner on his 200th Premier League appearance, making it 3-1. Late Bournemouth threats from Tavernier and substitute Justin Kluivert were repelled by Josko Gvardiol's blocks and Donnarumma's handling.
Guardiola substituted Haaland in the final ten minutes, denying him a hat-trick, and introduced Rodri for his return from injury, along with Savinho and Reijnders. Haaland received a standing ovation. Post-match, Guardiola said: “Bournemouth are one of the most demanding teams that we have faced... They are incredible.” Haaland added: “Important win. It is good to bounce back... I try to help the team to win.” He joked about fantasy managers' disappointment over his substitution.
