Manchester City’s juggernaut in the Premier League continued as they brushed past Bournemouth after the away team put some pressure on the defending champions. The game ended 3-1 but major kudos to the Cherries and Eddie Howe for coming to the Etihad and creating a contest out of it as they went head-on with the Citizens.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring inside 20 minutes and it seemed like Bournemouth would have a long afternoon ahead. But the Cherries kept themselves in the game, and Callum Wilson brought them on level terms just before halftime. Raheem Sterling scored before the hour mark to dash hopes of the visiting side if they were looking to come away with a point from Etihad. Gundogan added the third from close range to put the tie to bed in the 79th minute.
Here is how Guardiola’s men fared in yet another win.
Ederson 5
Could have probably saved Wilson’s header. Lost his head a bit when he had an altercation with the forward later on which was avoidable.
Danilo 6
Played a significant role in the second goal as it was his shot which Sterling pounced upon. Looked impressive while going forward but was found wanting when the Cherries hit on the break.
Nicolas Otamendi 6
Missed his man when Howe’s side scored the equaliser as he was stranded in a no man’s land. Apart from that an assured display.
Aymeric Laporte 6.5
Made an error which could have led to a second goal for Bournemouth. Did well overall and played some delightful passes from the back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 7
His pass for the opening goal was delightful, and on the ball, he was just brilliant throughout the game.
Fernandinho 6.5
Kept things tight and moving in midfield. Made one contentious challenge which could have been given as a penalty. Apart from that, a typical day on the pitch for the Brazilian midfielder.
Bernardo Silva 8
It’s unreal that City are doing so well in the absence of arguably their best player that is Kevin De Bruyne and they have Bernardo Silva to thank for that. Expertly finished the first goal and was always playing a big role in every attack. Put in a massive shift on the defensive front as well.
Ilkay Gundogan 7
Got a rare start and impressed as he linked up play well and made some good runs into the box. Was rewarded with a goal when Sane served him the ball around the six-yard box on a platter.
Raheem Sterling 8
The Englishman is making a habit of scoring goals by being at the right place at the right time. Got another one today and made some excellent runs which threatened the Cherries defenders.
Leroy Sane 8.5
The German put in a man of the match display at Etihad as he was extremely threatening while going forward. What was refreshing was that he even worked hard off the ball. Played a part in all the goals and was almost unplayable on the night.
Gabriel Jesus 6
Worked hard but never got a clear-cut chance to score a goal. Would be disappointed that he failed to impress after he got a rare start in the Premier League.
Substitutes
Fabian Delph 7.5
Called the shots after coming on in the second half and played some delightful passes from the left. Just goes on to show the depth of Pep’s side.
David Silva 7
Came on late but still made a huge impact as he picked out Sane for the third goal which wrapped up the tie.
Riyad Mahrez N/A
Played too little to warrant a rating.
