Manchester City vs. Bournemouth: Score, Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match
Manchester City defeated Bournemouth 4-0 in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium as the hosts maintained their berth at the top of the table on Saturday.
Kevin De Bruyne gave a virtuoso performance as he opened the scoring with a clever free-kick, and Kelechi Iheanacho made it 2-0 after just 25 minutes.
Raheem Sterling grabbed the third shortly after the half-time restart, and new German signing Ilkay Gundogan made it 4-0 as City ran riot.
It was an extraordinary performance from the Manchester giants, as they prove to be worthy favourites to win the title after manager Pep Guardiola's arrival.
Gundogan made his full Premier League debut for the club in midfield. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy were brought in to play full-back, while Aleksandar Kolarov moved to centre-back. John Stones and Pablo Zabaleta dropped to the bench.
Jack Wilshere came into Bournemouth's side for his full debut. The midfielder replaced striker Callum Wilson as Eddie Howe reverted to a 4-5-1.
City were overwhelming favourites to prevail against the south-coast underdogs. ESPN's Alex Shaw was convinced it would be a one-sided encounter:
The Sky Blues were quickly on the attack and had their first shot of the day within the opening seconds of the game.
Bournemouth weathered an early storm, giving as good as they received, but the hosts took the lead when De Bruyne scored from a free-kick after 15 minutes. The Belgian rolled his effort under the wall, fooling the Bournemouth defence that expected a curling effort.
Squawka.com highlighted the attacker's contribution:
"Kevin De Bruyne has now been directly involved in 20 goals in 30 Premier League games for Man City.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 17, 2016"
Key player. pic.twitter.com/tpcB7QcmW1
It was 2-0 just 10 minutes later, as Guardiola's side ripped through the Cherries' defensive line, leading to an Iheanacho strike.
The young striker once again showed his promise and dexterity as he finished off a City move that left the visitors rooted to the spot.
Sky Sports Statto gave information on the player's amazing goal ratio:
The hosts maintained their advantage until the end of the first half, as Wilshere struggled to stand up to the City midfield.
The Arsenal loanee was outclassed as he attempted to influence his team from the centre of the pitch.
WhoScored.com highlighted the England international's numbers:
WhoScored also provided the vital match stats and player ratings after City dominated their opponents with ease.
The Sky Blues maintained 69 per cent possession in the first half, as Bournemouth were penned back:
It took City just two minutes into the second half to score their third of the day, as Sterling added his name to the scoresheet.
The former Liverpool player finished with style as De Bruyne and Iheanacho combined to turn providers.
It was once again a sensational move by Guardiola's unit, which had its origins and movement from the Camp Nou at Barcelona.
David Mooney of ESPN FC called the action:
City were irrepressible as they attacked, and Guardiola's philosophy was oozing out of his team, as Bournemouth appeared bewildered and beaten.
It was 4-0 shortly after the hour mark, as De Bruyne linked with Gundogan for a debut goal for the Germany international.
The look of contentment was written over Guardiola's face as his new midfield signing executed a wonderfully composed finish to kill the match.
Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News was in awe of the Sky Blues' standard:
To their credit, the Cherries attempted to compete, playing a progressive style in the final 20 minutes, but they were damaged during City's most potent period.
Nolito was shown a late red card for retaliation, but that moment could not spoil City's day.
Guardiola's team look unbeatable at present, and the De Bruyne's performance was on everyone's lips at full-time.
Post-Match Reaction
Guardiola was delighted with his team's performance after the game and gave special praise to star player De Bruyne, who appears in the form of his life at the advent of the season.
According to City's official website, the Spaniard said:
"Kevin is a special player. Without the ball he’s a fighter and with the ball he’s clear, he sees everything. Every time he decides the right decision and we are lucky to have him. Hopefully he can keep playing the amazing football.
Of course he is one of the best there is no doubt about that but to win prizes will depend on the team winning titles.
"
City travel to Swansea City on Saturday, Sept. 24, in the league, as Bournemouth host Everton on the same day.
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