It was a great night for City and Haaland as they returned to winning ways as the cruised past formerly second placed AFC Bournemouth to secured the number two spot in the English Premier League standings. This win extends their outstanding record to 16 wins and a loss from 17 H2Hs with a 100% home return.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland increased his Premier League goal tally to 13 making him the leading goal scorer in the race.
Match Overview
Guardiola’s men were almost left trailing with just 45seconds on the clock in the first when Eli Kroupi shot into the net from an unmarked position in the box, but was flagged for offside violation. With Kroupi’s attempt in mind, City soon found their rhythm and took the lead in the 17th minute when Erling Haaland got on Rayan Cherri’s flick on and raced towards goal, ultimately sending it past Djordje Petrovic.
Andoni Itaola’s men soon leveled the scoreline a few minutes later through Tyler Adams who capitalized on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s flap at Scott’s corner, sending the loose ball past the goal line.
Bournemouth we’re left trailing again in the 33rd minute from an effort by Haaland after finding his way round Petrovic and sliding the ball into the goal, his second of the night.
The visitors were unrelenting with several efforts to level the scoreline. One of such outstanding efforts came from Kroupi following a linkup play by David Brooks and Scott, but he was denied by Donnarumma.
City were then able to extend their lead beyond Bournemouth’s reach in the 60th minute when Nico O’Reilly received a poked ball from Phil Foden which he drifted into the box and sent into the far corner.
The hosts, after a series of substitutions from both sides, controlled the final moments of the game, claiming a victory that puts them a point ahead of the visitors who will now drop down to fourth place in the league standings.
Upcoming matches
City will head on host German side, Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night in the next round of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. Then they will welcome English side Liverpool on Sunday evening for a league derby at the Etihad Stadium.
Bournemouth will get on the road to test their strengths against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon. They will now welcome West Ham to the Vitality Stadium on Friday, November 22 for another EPL showdown.
Manchester City http://AFC Bournemouth
Watch analysis of the match here:
