Bournemouth achieved a monumental win, defeating Manchester City 2-1 to end the champions’ 32-game unbeaten Premier League streak. This historic victory saw Bournemouth put on a resilient, determined display, with Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson finding the net for the Cherries before Josko Gvardiol pulled one back for City late in the game.
From the outset, Bournemouth set a fast tempo that visibly unsettled City, who were recovering from a recent loss to Tottenham Hotspur and grappling with several key injuries. Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium was buzzing as the home team showcased a spirited performance that City found difficult to contain.
The game’s opening saw Bournemouth on the front foot, with several players pressing high up the pitch. Within the first few minutes, City’s goalkeeper Ederson had to make two saves to keep the game level. Yet, it was only a matter of time before Bournemouth’s pressure paid off. Semenyo opened the scoring in the ninth minute, skillfully controlling Milos Kerkez’s low cross, shaking off Josko Gvardiol’s challenge, and firing a powerful shot past Ederson. Semenyo’s early goal set the tone for a high-intensity first half.
Under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth displayed a well-drilled tactical approach, repeatedly breaking through City’s defensive lines. Their transitions were quick and incisive, often catching City off guard. City, on the other hand, struggled to gain any sustained control in the first half, managing no shots on target and appearing uncomfortable against Bournemouth’s physicality and speed. The home crowd’s cheers grew louder with every successful attack and defensive stand, creating a charged atmosphere that spurred the Bournemouth players to push even harder.
Manchester City managed to reclaim some control as the game progressed, but they found it difficult to break down Bournemouth’s compact defense. The Cherries, however, kept their focus, defending in numbers, and each time they won possession, they looked to launch quick counter-attacks. By halftime, the champions had yet to create a clear-cut opportunity, and Bournemouth went into the break with confidence surging.
The second half began with an intensity similar to the first, and Bournemouth wasted no time in attacking. Evanilson found himself in a scoring position early in the half, though his initial effort failed to trouble Ederson. Yet he would make up for this miss later. In the 64th minute, another swift counter-attack from Bournemouth caught City off guard. Kerkez, who had been a menace on the left flank, delivered another superb cross. Evanilson, stretching to meet the ball, managed to poke it past Ederson, doubling Bournemouth’s lead and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
With a two-goal deficit, Manchester City began to press forward more aggressively. However, Bournemouth’s defense held firm, especially through standout performances from center-backs Illia Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi. The defensive duo worked cohesively, thwarting City’s attempts to get Erling Haaland involved in the game. Haaland found himself heavily marked and was unable to make the impact he usually does, due to Bournemouth’s physical and tactical approach.
As the game neared its conclusion, City threw everything they had forward. This shift in strategy eventually paid off, as Gvardiol scored a header in the 82nd minute, reducing Bournemouth’s lead to just one goal and injecting tension into the game’s final moments. Bournemouth, now under immense pressure, retreated into a more defensive posture, focusing on preserving their narrow lead. Mark Travers, Bournemouth’s goalkeeper, who had been relatively untested throughout much of the game, made crucial saves in the dying minutes to deny City an equalizer.
The closing stages were tense, with City launching wave after wave of attacks. Haaland came close to leveling the game with a close-range header that Travers saved, and his follow-up attempt hit the post. Despite these near-misses, Bournemouth’s defense held strong, eventually securing a historic victory as the final whistle blew.
This triumph marked Bournemouth’s first-ever victory over Manchester City in the Premier League, a feat that underscored the determination and tactical prowess of Iraola’s side. Semenyo, who scored the opening goal and was instrumental in his team’s attacking efforts, was rightly named Player of the Match for his contributions.
Bournemouth Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
GK: Mark Travers (7/10) – Although he had little to do for much of the match, Travers made a series of critical saves in the final minutes to protect Bournemouth’s lead. His quick reflexes and composure under pressure were essential to Bournemouth’s victory.
RB: Adam Smith (6/10) – Smith used his experience and defensive savvy to prevent City from finding much success down his side of the field. His disciplined approach to staying tight and not allowing space in behind limited City’s chances from wide areas.
CB: Illia Zabarnyi (7/10) – Zabarnyi was proactive and physical in his defense, playing a key role in marking Haaland and neutralizing his influence. His partnership with Senesi was instrumental in keeping City at bay.
CB: Marcos Senesi (8/10) – Senesi was solid throughout, showing excellent anticipation and timing in his tackles. His calmness on the ball allowed Bournemouth to reset and build out from the back under pressure.
LB: Milos Kerkez (8/10) – Kerkez had an outstanding game, contributing two assists and consistently driving forward to support attacks. His ability to provide width and accurate crosses proved crucial for Bournemouth’s offensive efforts.
CM: Lewis Cook (7/10) – Cook worked tirelessly in midfield, breaking up City’s attacks and closing down spaces effectively. His work rate and energy were vital in disrupting City’s rhythm and creating turnovers.
CM: Ryan Christie (6/10) – Christie showed relentless enthusiasm, though he occasionally overcommitted in his defensive duties. Nevertheless, his energy helped Bournemouth maintain their high tempo throughout the match.
AM: Justin Kluivert (4/10) – Kluivert struggled to make an impact in the game and was largely peripheral in the attacking play. Despite his pace, he found it difficult to get involved in Bournemouth’s best moments.
RW: Antoine Semenyo (9/10) – Semenyo was the standout performer, leading Bournemouth’s attacking efforts with a goal and creating numerous problems for City’s defense. His combination of strength and skill made him difficult to contain.
ST: Evanilson (8/10) – Evanilson’s work rate and pressing from the front were commendable. He managed to score Bournemouth’s second goal and kept City’s defenders on high alert throughout the game.
LW: Marcus Tavernier (5/10) – Although he was comfortable switching wings with Semenyo, Tavernier struggled to produce the same level of threat. He was outshone by his teammate but contributed to the team’s overall pressing efforts.
Substitutes
Tyler Adams (5/10) – Replaced Christie in the 66th minute but had limited influence in the closing stages.
David Brooks (5/10) – Came on in the 78th minute and provided fresh legs but wasn’t significantly involved in play.
Enes Unal (5/10) – Substituted for Evanilson in the 78th minute to add a different dimension up front but had limited impact.
Dean Huijsen (N/A) – Entered late in the game with little time to make a difference.
Manager: Andoni Iraola (8/10) – Iraola’s tactics were well-executed, with Bournemouth consistently breaking down City’s play and maintaining an effective structure in defense. His side’s performance was a testament to his game plan, and they fully deserved the win.
Manchester City Player Ratings (4-1-4-1)
GK: Ederson (8/10) – Ederson was called upon multiple times to keep City in the game, making several crucial saves to prevent a wider deficit. His distribution and positioning were reliable as usual.
RB: Kyle Walker (2/10) – Walker played through an injury but struggled throughout, unable to effectively manage Bournemouth’s wide threats. His limited mobility was a notable weak point in City’s defense.
CB: Manuel Akanji (4/10) – Akanji had a difficult afternoon, struggling with Bournemouth’s intensity and quick transitions. He was unable to adjust to the tempo, which left City vulnerable.
CB: Nathan Ake (5/10) – Facing his former club, Ake was steady defensively but couldn’t do much to help City control the game. His performance was solid but unspectacular.
LB: Josko Gvardiol (6/10) – Gvardiol was better defensively than some of his teammates but struggled against Semenyo’s physicality. His late goal gave City hope, though it ultimately wasn’t enough.
CM: Mateo Kovacic (4/10) – Kovacic was isolated in midfield and struggled to stem the flow of Bournemouth’s attacks on his own. He had little support and found himself often outnumbered.
RM: Phil Foden (4/10) – Foden had limited impact, drifting in and out of the game. His defensive positioning was problematic, leaving City exposed down the right flank.
CM: Bernardo Silva (6/10) – Silva was a busy presence but struggled to unlock Bournemouth’s defense. He had few openings to create meaningful chances.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan (5/10) – Gundogan was mostly quiet, only registering an assist late in the game when he delivered the cross for Gvardiol’s goal.
LM: Matheus Nunes (4/10) – Nunes was unable to find his rhythm, with most of his attempts at advancing play ending in turnovers.
ST: Erling Haaland (3/10) – Haaland was marked closely and had minimal influence on the game, failing to convert the rare chances that came his way.
Substitutes
Rico Lewis (5/10) – Came on in the 73rd minute and added some energy but couldn’t make a substantial impact.
Jeremy Doku (N/A) – Introduced in the 85th minute, but too late to change the game’s outcome.
Manager: Pep Guardiola (4/10) – Guardiola’s side struggled to cope with Bournemouth’s high-tempo play and defensive resilience. Although injuries have impacted his squad, City’s vulnerability to counter-attacks and inability to break down a well-organized defense raise concerns.
Player of the Match: Antoine Semenyo – Semenyo’s energetic and clinical performance was instrumental in Bournemouth’s victory, exemplifying the team’s determined and relentless approach against the reigning champions.
