Manchester City have climbed to second place in the Premier League table following a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. Pep Guardiola’s squad bounced back from their defeat to Aston Villa last week, overtaking the Cherries and sending a clear message to the rest of the league that Arsenal’s crowning is far from guaranteed. Erling Haaland was once again instrumental in their triumph, netting his 16th and 17th goals of the season after being rested midweek.
He twice put City ahead, with Tyler Adams equalising his first goal due to a blunder by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. City’s keeper redeemed himself with several crucial saves in the second half before Nico O’Reilly sealed the match with a superb strike from inside the box. Express Sport rates and slates the City players…
Donnarumma: Despite claiming a foul, it was a poor mistake that allowed Bournemouth to level the score. However, he made some solid stops in the second half. 5
Nunes: He performed admirably against Semenyo in another impressive display, also handling Brooks well when they crossed paths. 7.
Dias: His robust challenges and clearances set the tone for a City defence that, barring the goalkeeper’s error, was quite solid. 8.
Gvardiol: Made several perfect challenges to halt Bournemouth runners and seemed more at ease with O’Reilly beside him. 7.
O’Reilly: His powerful runs up the pitch, one of which resulted in the decisive third goal, helped City secure the win. 8.
Gonzalez: Displayed a calming presence and authority in the first half as others faltered, also setting up Haaland’s first goal. 8.
Silva: His loose passes caused some trouble for his side on several occasions, but he managed to regain composure in the second half. 6.
Foden: He was a constant threat in the space behind Haaland, always seemingly free and nearly always enhancing a move with his contribution. 8.
Cherki: Provided two assists for Haaland that put City in control, along with some delightful touches elsewhere, even if not everything worked out. 8.
Doku: Interestingly, he played more centrally than on the flanks, showing some good play but occasionally let himself down with careless touches. 6.
Haaland: An exceptional first half, clinically capitalising on two opportunities and dropping back to assist teammates. His impact lessened after the break. 8.
Substitutes
Reijnders (for Cherki, 73): Made an immediate impact upon entering the game. 6.
Savinho (for Doku, 73): Was unable to add to City’s attack. 6.
Marmoush (for Haaland, 82): Had no time to make an impact.
Ait-Nouri (for Foden, 88): Had no time to make an impact.
Rodri (for Silva, 88): Had no time to make an impact.
Unused substitutes: Trafford, Stones, Ake, Lewis.