Bournemouth fans had plenty to celebrate after their team pulled off a remarkable victory over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Wins against Pep Guardiola’s side are rare, but Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth showcased resilience and determination, proving they can compete at the highest level.
For City, the 2-1 defeat marked their first league loss of the season and highlighted a worrying dip in form. Following a midweek cup defeat to Tottenham, City struggled to assert themselves at the Vitality Stadium.
Despite Arsenal’s earlier loss to Newcastle, which opened up the title race, City failed to seize the opportunity. Josko Gvardiol’s late goal offered a glimmer of hope but wasn’t enough to salvage the result.
City lacked their usual sharpness and intensity. While their effort couldn’t be faulted, Bournemouth outworked and outsmarted them. Guardiola, visibly frustrated on the sidelines, refrained from dramatic outbursts but seemed acutely aware of his team’s struggles.
Injuries have only compounded City’s challenges, with key players like John Stones and Ruben Dias sidelined. Although Jeremy Doku, Kyle Walker, and Kevin De Bruyne returned, Guardiola has emphasized the need for his squad to push through fitness issues.
However, City’s intentionally small squad—a preference of Guardiola’s—has been stretched to its limits. Since 2018, City players have averaged over 60 games per season, a grueling schedule that may be catching up with them.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, exploited City’s vulnerabilities. Building on their earlier home win against Arsenal, Iraola’s team entered the game with confidence.
Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo were standout performers, with Kerkez assisting Semenyo’s opening goal just two minutes into the game. Semenyo’s strength and accuracy set the tone, leaving City’s defense chasing.
While City are known for recovering from setbacks, this time their response lacked urgency. Bournemouth disrupted their rhythm and repeatedly countered with pace and precision.
Evanilson’s headed goal from a Kerkez cross further exposed City’s defensive weaknesses, doubling Bournemouth’s lead.
Gvardiol’s late header created some tension in the final moments, but Bournemouth held firm. Their determination and discipline earned them a well-deserved victory, while City’s performance revealed cracks in their usual dominance, leaving Guardiola with much to address.
