Haaland Shines as Manchester City Power Past Bournemouth 3-1
Manchester City returned to winning ways with a solid 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, a result that pushed Pep Guardiola’s men back into second place in the Premier League table. It wasn’t a flawless performance, but it was one that reminded everyone of City’s attacking strength — and, of course, Erling Haaland’s inevitable influence.
From the very first whistle, City looked determined to put their recent defeat to Aston Villa behind them. And it didn’t take long. Just 17 minutes into the match, Haaland opened the scoring in classic fashion — a sharp finish after a slick link-up with Rayan Cherki. The Norwegian striker, who had been unusually quiet in the previous game, looked back to his unstoppable self.
But Bournemouth, who have been one of the surprise packages this season, weren’t there just to make up the numbers. They hit back quickly through Che Adams, who levelled the score in the 24th minute after capitalizing on a rare lapse in City’s defense. The visitors’ aggressive, high defensive line caused moments of discomfort for Guardiola’s side — though, in hindsight, it also became their undoing.
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City soon regained control, and Haaland struck again before the half-hour mark, converting another smart assist from Cherki. The French youngster was in inspired form, setting up both of Haaland’s goals with composure and vision. Bournemouth’s high line was repeatedly exposed, and it could easily have been a hat-trick for Haaland had he not been substituted later in the second half — something fantasy football managers won’t be too happy about!
After the break, Bournemouth tightened up defensively and even threatened a comeback, with teenage forward Malamine Kroupi going close on a couple of occasions. But City’s quality eventually told. On the hour mark, young left-back Nico O’Reilly sealed the game with a low drive from the edge of the box, making it 3-1.
From then on, City controlled proceedings. Bournemouth tried to push forward, but with Rodri and Foden introduced late on, there was little room for them to maneuver. The win not only steadied City’s campaign but also reminded everyone that Guardiola’s side remain very much in the title race, sitting just behind Arsenal on goal difference.
After the match, Haaland summed it up perfectly in his post-game chat: “It’s good to bounce back after a bad away game. I did my job.” And indeed, he did — two goals, relentless movement, and the kind of energy that keeps City’s engine running smoothly.
For Bournemouth, manager Andoni Iraola might be ruing his tactical setup, especially that risky high line that played straight into City’s hands. Still, their position near the top four shows how far they’ve come this season. But on this day, at the Etihad, it was all about Haaland and City — back in full rhythm, and looking dangerous once again.
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