Two defeats in four days for Manchester City, and suddenly the slickest machine in English football appears to be severely malfunctioning. Supporters of Pep Guardiola’s side might point to injuries and absentees but this deserved loss to Bournemouth was about far more than personnel issues.
City were beaten in this game not because they have players missing but because they were inferior to Bournemouth in every footballing department that matters: organisation, energy, intensity, inventiveness and adaptability.
Andoni Iraola’s side had all of these qualities, and at the end they also had a genuine piece of club history. This was their first victory over City, ending a record run of 20 league meetings without a win against a single opponent. At last, the burden is lifted.
For City, who also lost in midweek against Tottenham Hotspur, there were problems all over the pitch. Erling Haaland spent most of his afternoon glumly shaking his head, rather than threatening the Bournemouth defence, and Kyle Walker was repeatedly exposed on City’s right flank.
Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson brought about three more points for Bournemouth, who were forced to defend for their lives at the death after Josko Gvardiol scored with a powerful header for the visitors.
The pressure on Bournemouth’s defence was almost unbearably intense in the final moments – as you would expect against a City team that had not lost in the league since December – but Bournemouth ultimately showed defensive steel to match their attacking silk.
Across the pitch, the City players lost their battles. Haaland was wrapped up by Illia Zabarnyi, Walker was bullied by Semenyo, Phil Foden was dominated by the tireless Lewis Cook. Arguably the best player on the pitch was the Bournemouth left-back, Milos Kerkez. No player in blue could match Kerkez’s energy, spirit and decisiveness in attacking moments.
