Manchester City 3 Bournemouth 1: match report

City go up to second after dominant win over Bournemouth with goals from Haaland and O’Reilly

Manchester City went up to 2nd in the Premier League table on Sunday evening with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. The Blues had beaten Swansea in the Carabao Cup in the week and were looking to bounce back in the league following last week’s defeat away at Aston Villa. Donnarumma started in goal. Nunes, Gvardiol, Dias, and O’Reilly were in defence. Gonzalez, Bernardo, and Foden were in defence with Doku, Cherki, and Haaland in attack.

The match began with a Bournemouth attack and within just 57 seconds, the Cherries had the ball in the back of the net, but the celebrations were quickly cut short with forward Kroupi Jr deemed to be in an offside position. Shortly after, City quickly gained composure and began to put pressure on to Bournemouth’s high press. A shot from Haaland in the 11th minute was just wide.

Luckily for the Blues, it wouldn’t be long before they took advantage of the high line. In the middle of the pitch, Cherki headed the ball into a clear path for Haaland who charged towards goal and slot the ball past Petrovic to make it 1-0, continuing his excellent form. Bournemouth were quick to strike back, however, with a corner in finding its way to Adams who equalised for the Cherries and brought the scores back level. Donnarumma protested the goal, believing he was fouled in the buildup, but the goal stood.

Despite being pegged back, City remained in control of the game and grabbed their 2nd goal to show for this and put them back in the lead. Cherki lobbed the ball over towards Haaland who was once again in a clear path towards goal. The striker went round the goalkeeper and placed the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-1. Chances ensued before half time for City to double their lead, with O’Reilly and Haaland both having 1v1 chances but missing.

Bournemouth searched for an equaliser and almost got one in the 53rd minute with a close range shot that was brilliantly parried away by Donnarumma. In form Semenyo was kept under control by Nunes. In the 60th minute, O’Reilly dribbled towards goal and drove the ball into the bottom right corner to score his first goal of the season and double the lead. A brilliant moment for the youngster who came through the academy.

The Blues saw the game out and the final score was 3-1. The Blues now move to 2nd in the Premier League on 19 points, six behind leaders Arsenal and one in front of 3rd placed Liverpool. They face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League midweek before a huge fixture against Liverpool next Sunday, both matches also at home.