By Daily Sports on December 2, 2018
Manchester City had to work hard to see off a determined Bournemouth side before Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan secured the win that sent them five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
City’s victory maintains their 100% home record in the league this season, with eight wins out of eight, but this latest triumph was not as straightforward as the scoreline might suggest.
All seemed to be going to plan for Pep Guardiola’s side when Bernardo Silva smashed them ahead early on, with the Portuguese midfielder following up after Asmir Begovic had denied Leroy Sane.
But the home side, with David Silva on the bench and top scorer Sergio Aguero absent altogether after he complained of a muscle discomfort, relaxed a little too much before half-time and were deservedly punished.
To the displeasure of the home fans, the Cherries were given far too much time and space to build outside the box and Simon Francis swung in a perfect cross for Callum Wilson to rise and head home.
Bournemouth threatened again after half-time when King's looping cross almost dropped in at the far post, while City looked surprisingly short of urgency or inspiration.
It was Sterling who supplied the spark they were missing, to continue his remarkable run of scoring against the Cherries.
The England forward followed up after Begovic could only parry Danilo’s low shot and Nathan Ake failed to clear, firing into the roof of the net for his 10th goal in seven games against the Cherries.
Bournemouth, looking to avoid a fourth successive defeat, did not lie down and some dangerous balls into the box ensured some nervous moments for the Etihad faithful.
It took Gundogan’s close-range finish to make sure of the points with 11 minutes remaining, with the impressive Sane providing the assist with a precise pull-back. (BBC)
•Photo shows Manchester City players
Source Daily Sports
Posted December 2, 2018
You may also like...
Onyekuru Leaves Galatasaray As Loan Deal Expires
Super Eagles: A Vote Of No Confidence On...
World Cup 2022: Suppressed report into corruption allegations...
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal hits out at...
Napoli to hand Osimhen new deal
Rooney, Zlatan, Martinez named in MLS’s Best XI...

President’s death forces aquatic federation calendar shake-up
Diamond League announces Amusan for Prefontaine Classic
Chelle receives Agu, Nwaiwu injury boost
Lagos schools gear up for TASG athletics showcase
D’Tigress open W’Cup qualifying campaign with Colombia clash
Onigbide's contributions helped shape Nigeria’s football, NSC mourns ex-Super Eagles coach
Joshua career-earnings per punch recorded at £172k
Onuachu breaks 14-year Trabzonspor goal record
Musa dedicates derby win to Pillars fan
Rivers United’s scoring run thrills Finidi
How Arsenal can win Premier League
NWFL player Ihotu regains freedom after N1.5m ransom
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,605 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,932 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,837 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,464 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,383 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,290 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,165 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,709 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,887 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,403 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,795 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,270 views)