Manchester City wins the top match against surprise team Bournemouth 3-1 and is now back in second place behind Arsenal in the table. The Skyblues countered the Cherries at times, with Haaland celebrating twice.
Before the season started, few would have thought that the match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth would be a top match. And certainly no one would have thought that the Cherries from the south coast of England would be the higher-ranked team. And yet Bournemouth came to the Etihad Stadium in second place in the table with a series of eight unbeaten league games, two points behind the Skyblues.
Donnarumma’s blunder ruins City’s lead
The game began with a shock for City, who were without Stones, Reijnders, Bobb, and Savinho after their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, with O’Reilly, Nico, Doku, and Cherki coming in. After just 46 seconds, Kroupi pushed a pass from Brooks over the line, but from an offside position. Even after that, the game developed into a somewhat wild but entertaining affair, with the Skyblues constantly fearing a counterattack from their courageous guests—as was the case after a corner in the 8th minute. But City quickly found a remedy, relying on counterattacks themselves and soon taking the lead: Cherki flicked a high ball behind the high defensive line to Haaland, who found himself alone in front of keeper Petrovic and scored his twelfth goal of the season (17′). Manchester now seemed to have the game under control, but Donnarumma missed a corner, allowing former Leipzig player Adams to easily tap in the equalizer (25′).
Haaland scores – and misses out on a hat trick
ManCity did not let the setback deter them, with the Skyblues repeatedly dissecting the visitors’ defense on the counterattack. Haaland was free again after a great combination, rounded Petrovic and scored to restore the lead (33′). In similar fashion, O’Reilly was denied by Jimenez clearing off the line (34′) and Haaland again by Petrovic with a lob (37′). With the keeper also strong against a Cherki free kick (45’+6), City’s narrow lead remained at the break.
The missed chances almost came back to haunt City after the restart, as Bournemouth were now back in the game and pushing for the equalizer. Kroupi wasted two great opportunities: first, the Frenchman hit the side netting (51′), then he was denied by Donnarumma (53′). But just as the visitors were enjoying their best spell, City struck coldly, with O’Reilly sliding the ball through Senesi’s legs into the right corner to make it 3-1 (60′).
First league defeat since August
The third goal dashed the Cherries’ hopes, and Manchester controlled the game as it drew to a close. Only the home side had any dangerous chances: Cherki curled the ball just over the bar (67′), Marmoush poked the ball into the side netting (88′), before Petrovic once again distinguished himself against Reijnders (90’+4).
Bournemouth had nothing left to offer and suffered their first league defeat since the opening day of the season. Manchester City are now back in second place in the table, six points behind the Gunners.
On Wednesday (9 p.m.), ManCity will continue their Champions League campaign at home against BVB. Bournemouth will not play again until next Sunday (3 p.m.) when they travel to Aston Villa.
