Manchester City provides a reminder of their title credentials with a ruthless 4-1 win over Bournemouth. Manchester City has moved back to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal after securing a comfortable 4-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday Night Football. City took the lead after 15 minutes, Julian Alvarez stealing in to fire home from a yard out after Erling Haaland’s effort had come back off the crossbar.
The Norwegian striker was then on hand to double City’s lead after good work from Nathan Ake released Ilkay Gundogan down the left, and as his ball into the middle came off Phil Foden, it fell to Haaland to tap home from close range. Haaland’s 27th goal of the season is more than Sergio Aguero managed in a single Premier League campaign at City.
Man City then put the game beyond Bournemouth when Philip Billing played a lazy, aimless pass square across the pitch from the touchline. The alert Foden pounced on it, advanced on Neto’s goal, and rolled the ball beyond the goalkeeper.
Man City made it four just after half-time. Rico Lewis put in a good cross from the right, which Bournemouth defenders cleared, but only as far as Foden, whose whipped ball in was blasted against Chris Mepham by Alvarez for an own goal. Jefferson Lerma met Jordan Zemura’s deflected cross to rifle in a late consolation for Bournemouth , who sit in
19th place, a point adrift of safety after victories for Leeds and West Ham earlier on Saturday.
The victory for City was an impressive reminder of their title credentials, particularly given their recent form. Before this victory, City had failed to win any of their last three Premier League matches and had conceded seven goals in their last two. The win was also crucial for City regarding the title race, as it moves them to within two points of Arsenal, who had temporarily opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table following their victory over Leeds on Sunday.
Man City had a good defense which limited Bournemouth to just four shots on target throughout the match. It was a solid performance from the City back-line, particularly from Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, who looked comfortable and assured throughout the match. City also had an impressive attacking display, with Haaland, Foden, Gundogan, and Alvarez all finding the back of the net. It was particularly pleasing for City manager Pep Guardiola to see his side score four goals against a team as defensively organized as Bournemouth. Overall, it was an impressive performance from City and will give them a significant boost ahead of their next match against Manchester United on Wednesday. They hope to continue their good form and close the gap on Arsenal in the title race.