Not often do you get to say “A crazy hundred minutes of football”, but that was exactly what happened at the Vitality stadium as Manchester City beat Bournemouth 2-1 away from home.
Right from the start of the game, it looked as though City had to dig deep to take home all three points. A wonder-strike form Charlie Daniels gave Bournemouth the 13th minute, only for Jesus to equilize 8 minutes later.
The extraordinarily long game seemed to end at a deadlock, but Sterling’s scruffy shot bounced into the back of the net, taking the Manchester club to victory.
With four new changes to the starting line-up, Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy made the team sheet.
City struggled to impose themselves as an attacking force early into the game, though the same could not be said for Bournemouth.
Komapny did well to clear a cross out of their right flank, but Daniels ran onto it and hit an unstoppable volley into the top right corner.
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Jesus was given a go ahead of fellow South American Sergio Aguero, and did not fail to impress.
He equilised for City in the 21st minute, tucking in a mouth-watering through ball from David Silva into the far corner of the net. He sparkled throughout his time on the pitch, constantly looking for his second.
Nicholas Otamendi struck the post during the second half, which was the only clear chance courtesy the well organised defence of the home team.
While the game looked to remain balanced at the end of 90 minutes, it was Sterling, who yet again popped up at the right place at the right time.
He was right at point when Danilo delivered a low cross and had a shot at goal, which hit the back of the net. Although deflected, Sterling continues his run against Bournemouth, who now has 8 goals in 5 appearances against the side.
Sterling was then adjudged to have gotten too involved in the celebration and got himself booked again. City will surely miss his presence as they take on Liverpool at home in their next game.
Bernardo Silva started down the right flank, alongside David Silva and Danilo with Pep employing four at the back. He had a decent start to the game, running with the ball and often cutting inside.
But as time went on, questions can be asked on why City paid 50,00 Mill. € for the youngster.
He looked uncomfortable on the ball and gave away possession a number of times. Charlie Daniels stuck to him the whole game, making it impossible for the Portuguese to pull a trick out of his sleeve.
Benjamin Mendy, on the other hand, had an excellent game. Replacing suspended Kyle Walker, he kept a cool head. Constantly running forward and whipping in crosses, he has settled well into the team.
His movement was always a problem for the Cherries’ defence and made it back in time to stop counters at the other end.
It was all disappointment for Eddie Howe at the end. Bournemouth made it as hard as possible for their opposition, but City managed to make it to the finish line by the scruff off their necks.
Pep would be relieved after the result, and will look to re-evaluate his attacking strategies.
The team will be tested in their next fixture against the Reds at Ethihad and a much more convincing display is needed if City are to make their home ground a fortress this season.
