Player Ratings: Bournemouth 1-4 Manchester City (Premier League)

Manchester City bounced back from consecutive 1-1 draws on the road with all three points on the south coast against Bournemouth on Saturday.

City ended the first 45 minutes after scoring a flurry of goals and ultimately putting the result beyond any doubt by the time the referee blew his whistle, courtesy of goals from Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden.

Manchester City’s defensive line was called into action on several occasions however, as Bournemouth refused to do what many presumed they may have planned in sitting back, with Ruben Dias and Rico Lewis in particular nullifying attempts.

In the second-half, Julian Alvarez’s effort was deflected into the Bournemouth goal, though the Cherries scored a late consolation courtesy of Jefferson Lerma.

Here is how we rated the individual performances of the Manchester City players at the Vitality Stadium!

Starting XI

Ederson – 6

Despite prolonging his wait for 100 Premier League clean sheets late on, the Brazilian seemed significantly more comfortable between the sticks on Saturday evening.

Rico Lewis – 7.5

Another confident and professional performance from the teenager, playing a crucial role in Manchester City’s opening goal by cutting out a short pass. Defensively sound.

Ruben Dias – 7

Leading from the back once again for Manchester City, and perfect when called into action during Bournemouth attacks.

Manuel Akanji – 6

Only very slightly shaky in moments from the Swiss international, who was partnered alongside Dias in the centre of Manchester City’s defence.

Received a booking in the second-half for a strong challenge but another competent performance from the central defender.

Nathan Ake – 7

Played a crucial role in Manchester City’s second goal with a perfect pass along the line to find Ilkay Gundogan in a wide attacking role. Defensively secure too from the club’s first-choice left-back.

Rodri – 6.5

Standard Rodri procedure. 98% pass completion in the first-half, and kept things ticking as City built from the back. Set the tone for first-half attempts with a 30 yard effort that smashed the stanchion.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7.5

A much better performance from the City captain, turning on the ball with intent and attempting to play much more forward passes than what we have been used to in recent weeks. Is it too early to strongly call for that contract extension?

Phil Foden – 7.5

Back among the goals for the first time since before the Qatar World Cup, pouncing on a poor Bournemouth pass before showing calmness and composure in front of ball to put City into that unassailable 0-3 first-half lead.

Julian Alvarez – 8 (MOTM)

The Argentine’s first away goal in the Premier League, and provided real drive and pressure on the Bournemouth defence when called into action in attacking positions. Forced City’s fourth goal with a deflected strike, too.

You’d imagine this performance gives Pep Guardiola some food for thought in regards to how he sets up his attacking line in future games.

Julian Alvarez vs Bournemouth:

1 Goal
45 Touches
20 Accurate Passes
1 Key Pass
4 Ground Duels Won
2 Tackles
2 Shots On Target
2 Successful Dribbles
1 Clearance
1 Accurate Cross
1 Accurate Long Ball pic.twitter.com/gYpZyUnmBC

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) February 25, 2023

Erling Haaland – 7.5

Combined much better with his Manchester City teammates than in recent matches, and got the goal that many have been crying out for. That’s 33 goals in 33 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side in all competitions. An outrageous record.

Jack Grealish – 7.5

Yet another good performance from Jack Grealish in all senses, proving why he remains a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s starting line-ups since the restart.

Substitutes

Kalvin Phillips – 6

Provided a good block, but received a booking. Nothing too much more of note.

Sergio Gomez – 6

Operated in an attacking midfield role when he came on. Kept things ticking, and certainly didn’t look out of place.

Maximo Perrone – 6.5

An enjoyable cameo to mark his Manchester City debut, with the Argentine an intelligent and confident looking young player.

Riyad Mahrez – 6.5

Short and sweet showing from the Algerian who made a couple of dangerous runs and came close to scoring with a powerful free-kick.

Kyle Walker – N/A