Bournemouth stun Man City as champions suffer first league defeat of the season

By SABC Sport
2nd November 2024

Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson were on target as Bournemouth stunned Manchester City 2-1 as the champions suffered their first loss of the league campaign.

City could have extended the gap over the Gunners to eight points in the league standings but fell flat by an inspired display by the hosts at the Vitality Stadium.

The Premier League champions were evidently not their usual dominant selves, and went 1-0 down through a Semenyo goal in the ninth minute.

Bournemouth doubled their lead in the second half, with Evanilson turning the ball past Ederson in the City net just after the hour mark.

In the 82nd minute, Josko Gvardiol's goal gave the visitors hope of a comeback, as did late attempts from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

But neither attacker was able to find the back of the net, and City were dealt their first loss of the season.

Speaking after the game, Guardiola admitted his side were off the pace on the day.

"We knew we couldn't match the intensity," he said. "We have talked about it. It was an open game. We had chances at the end but I congratulate Bournemouth for the victory.

"The 50-50 balls in the middle, the duels, they play this type of game. They are so aggressive. They had six-seven days to prepare. They have physicality and speed, but you have to win these types of situations. And they had chances. Ederson made a good save. We had real good moments at the start of the second half and after that it was difficult to swallow as we were good. After we scored we had momentum and chances but couldn't score [again]."

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was delighted with the effort of his players.

"It was a great game. We did everything we could. We needed our very best performance and not the greatest game [from City] and that happened. It is very good to beat City and even better to beat them deservedly," he said.

"It is very difficult. They are a great team. They have amazing subs and you have to suffer, stay compact. We suffered after a good game. We had the chance to finish it and not suffer too much at the end, but now we have to enjoy it."