On the Bournemouth pitch, Manchester City conceded their first defeat of 2024 in the Premier League (2-1).
Our trip to the south of England begins with good news: Kevin De Bruyne is on the bench while Kyle Walker returns to the eleven after almost a month of absence. Savinho, of whom we feared the worst after his exit on a stretcher on Wednesday against Tottenham, is finally present in the group.
From the first minutes of the match, the Cityzens were suffocated by the intensity put on by the Cherries. After less than two minutes of play, Ederson pulled out all the stops with a double save in front of Semenyo then Kluivert. (2th)
The Bournemouth players are very well organized and logically open the scoring following an overflow from Kerkez on the left wing. The full-back crosses at ground level for Semenyo who, in a pivot, deceives Ederson with a right-footed shot. (1-0, 9th)
As the first period progressed, the balance of power gradually became more balanced and the Cityzens managed to keep the ball better.
However, we had to wait until the half-hour mark to see City’s first chance. Travers deflects a cross from Nunes which arrives at the feet of Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese fires a shot but Kerkez blocks at the last minute the ball which was heading towards the frame… (31stth) This will be the only real opportunity for the Cityzens in the first half.
The start of the second act is just as complicated as the first for Pep’s men.
On the left flank, Semenyo, untenable, overtakes Walker and his friend Evanilson steals the ball from him. The Brazilian’s shot was saved by Ederson’s knee. (46th)
Unfortunately, twenty minutes later, the Brazilians’ duel turned in favor of the Bournemouth striker. Shifted to the left side, Kerkez sends a cross with first intention which Evanilson victoriously takes with his right foot. Ederson is wrong-footed and the Cherries double the lead. (2-0, 64th)
City are in a bad day and Tavernier is close to scoring the knockout goal but the post prevents Bournemouth from taking off (66th).
But the Cityzens will continue to believe in it despite their difficulties today. Josko Gvardiol gives hope to a whole people thanks to a victorious header following a cross from Gündogan. The Croatian scored his third league goal of the season. (2-1, 82th)
City are completely reinvigorated and Pep Guardiola pulls down one last card at the end of the match by bringing in Jérémy Doku.
On fire, the Belgian stands out from the start with a shot at the near post which Travers pushes away for a corner (89th).
The Cityzens are doing everything to come back and take a precious point. From yet another corner, Haaland unleashes a diving header that the Bournemouth goalkeeper pushes back onto his line. The ball returns to the Norwegian’s feet but his left shot hits the post of Mark Travers’ cage! (90+2th)
In a final attempt, Foden, on the edge of the area, unleashes a shot which escapes the target. (90+6th) City s’incline.
This defeat, the first of the season in the Premier League, puts an end to our incredible series of invincibility in the league, lasting thirty-two games. This is the sixth longest run in English championship history.
In the standings, City cedes its throne to Liverpool, winner of Brighton in the afternoon (2-1).
Our Skyblues will also travel to the Seagulls pitch on Saturday November 9 (6:30 p.m., FR) for the eleventh day of the Premier League.
THE TEAMS
CITY XI : Ederson, Walker (C), Akanji, Aké (Lewis 73), Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gündogan (Doku 85), Bernardo, Foden, Nunes, Haaland
Unused substitutes: Ortega Moreno, De Bruyne, Savinho, Wright, Simpson-Pusey, O’Reilly, McAtee
BOURNEMOUTH XI: Travers, Smith (C), Senesi, Zabarnyi, Kerkez, Cook, Christie (Adams 66), Tavernier (Huusen 90), Kluivert (Brooks 77), Semenyo, Evanilson (Unal 77)
Unused substitutes: Dennis, J.Araujo, Hill, Philip, Aarons
News about B’mouth v Man City
Guardiola awaits return of injured players
The Catalan coach spoke to the press before his team traveled to Bournemouth this Saturday. Read more
