Match Report: Bournemouth 1-4 Manchester City (Premier League)

Manchester City returned to winning ways on Saturday evening as they comfortably defeated Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The Cityzens’ fourth straight away game saw them take the lead first yet again with Julian Alvarez the scorer, but this time City did capitalise on their chances and scored a second goal courtesy of Erling Haaland.

Foden added a third before half time and a fourth soon came for City via a Chris Mepham own goal following the break, ensuring their first win in three games despite a late consolation from Jefferson Lerma.

The result means that City are now two points behind league leaders Arsenal, with the London outfit having a game in hand over Pep Guardiola’s side.

#ManCity are 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 to 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 ways! 😁✅ pic.twitter.com/8XASwvIpq5

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) February 25, 2023

Bournemouth started on the backfoot but defended well, limiting the visitors’ chances to longshots in the early stages.

City did find their way through though on the 15 minute mark following a scramble in the box resulting in several shots from Guardiola’s men.

FIFA World Cup winner Julian Alvarez netted from mere yards out after his fellow striker partner Erling Haaland saw his initial shot rebound off of the crossbar, netting his first Premier League away goal.

The home side came forward following this and showed some real spirit as they searched for an unlikely equaliser in response.

Haaland ensured that this was in vain as he doubled his sides advantage, firing in after an Ilkay Gundogan cross reached Phil Foden, only for the ball to be squared across the box for the striker to convert.

That makes it 33 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions for the Norwegian talisman, demonstrating just how prolific of a season the 22-year-old is having.

Bournemouth rallied again following conceding the second goal but they could not respond as City romped to a third goal through Foden.

A rogue pass from Phillip Billing was pounced upon by the English winger and Foden buried his chance for his first goal since before the World Cup

Guardiola’s men went into the break fully in control and cruising to victory which was a welcome change after recent poor results.

⚽️ @julianalvarezzz
⚽️ @ErlingHaaland
⚽️ @PhilFoden #ManCity future is 𝗡𝗢𝗪! 😍💙 pic.twitter.com/fUTOFyPJYx

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) February 25, 2023

The second half proved no different for the visitors as they claimed a fourth goal via an Alvarez shot that was turned into his own goal by Chris Mepham.

Kalvin Phillips and Sergio Gomez then entered the field for the departing Gundogan and Rodri, to add fresh legs.

Following a lull in play, City’s Catalan coach decided to make two more changes but this time it was his attacking line that was altered.

Goalscorer Haaland and Jack Grealish came off for Riyad Mahrez and Maximo Perrone, with the latter making his City debut after arriving at the club in January.

One final change was madeas Kyle Walker replaced former Bournemouth captain Nathan Ake, who in turn was given a standing ovation by the home fans.

Bournemouth eventually did get their goal courtesy of a fantastic effort by Jefferson Lerma who buried his chance when it eventually came to him.

The match concluded after a late home rally with Guardiola’s side taking all three points back to Manchester from the south coast.

City are next in action on Tuesday evening as they take on Bristol City in the Emirates FA Cup away from home at the Ashton Gate Stadium.