Man City suffered their first Premier League defeat of 2024 as they were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth after turning in a performance well below par at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries, who had never defeated City in the league in their entire existence, secured a well-earned victory with goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson.
Liverpool secured their place at the top at the expense of City thanks to their thrilling victory over Brighton.
Bournemouth smelled blood from the off. After a lively start, the laser-focused Semenyo turned and tucked home his fourth goal of the season after being picked out by Milos Kerkez. Ederson had to make a double save within two minutes to first deny Semenyo and then Justin Kluivert from the follow-up.
Man City finished the first half without a shot on goal, which was unusual given their lack of forward fluidity. Erling Haaland skewed wide after Kerkez heroically stopped a drive from Bernardo Silva, but that was the best that could be done.
Shortly after the second half began, Evanilson had a chance to double the lead for the home team but Ederson made a last-ditch save. However, after 64 minutes, the Brazilian made early contact with a wicked Kerkez ball to catch the City goalkeeper out.
The Cherries broke again within minutes, and it could have been three, but Adam Smith somehow blazed the rebound over with the goal gaping after Marcus Tavernier struck the post.
A highly tense finish was set up when Josko Gvardiol looped in a header after Ilkay Gundogan’s cross, cutting the deficit in half. However, Haaland’s point-blank, simple shot onto the post at the end told City they were out of luck.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
