Manchester City did their duty against Bournemouth in style. The Sky Blues won more than clearly 6:1 against the Cherries. Doku’s four assists mean a shared Premier League record
ManCity coach Pep Guardiola left Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Grealish and Foden all on the bench after the 3-0 win over Manchester United. Akanji, Aké, Doku and Kovacic started in their place. The visitors from celebrated their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Burnley on the previous matchday and wanted to confirm this – knowing that the reigning Champions League winners were waiting.
Bournemouth can’t get to grips with Doku
The game developed as expected from the start. The Skyblues ran the ball and Bournemouth were happy to take advantage of every break they had. Initially, Guardiola’s team lacked a bit of a drive towards goal, partly because the five-man backline was still holding firm. Bernardo Silva had the first real shot on goal (10′). As the game progressed, the Citizens managed to find more and more space. Rodrigo (18th), Doku (19th), Haaland (22nd, post, 25th) and Bernardo Silva (29th) initially missed the lead
Doku then redeemed his team shortly afterwards: after a one-two with Rodrigo, he scored into the right-hand corner of the goal (30′). That was enough to break the visitors’ resistance and Bernardo Silva made it 2:0 just three minutes later (33′) after Doku asked his opponent to dance. Just four minutes later, it was 3:0. Doku shot from distance and Akanji – who was also awarded the goal – deflected the ball with his back
Haaland unlucky
The visitors struggled time and again with Doku and his agility. Bournemouth were then forced to make an injury change after Scott injured his knee in a collision with Rodrgio. Haaland almost made it 4-0 shortly before the end (45.+3), but he was denied a goal as he was replaced by Foden after the break
After the break, it initially seemed as if Bournemouth had adapted better to the hosts’ play. They started higher up the pitch and forced the Skyblues into a few unusual mistakes. However, a goal from Solanke was disallowed for offside (47′). If Senesi’s pass had reached Solanke (56′) or Solanke had not hit the crossbar (61′), a goal might have been possible.
Bernardo Silva and Aké make it half a dozen
The goal came at the other end: Doku set up Foden, who scored to make it 4-0 (64′). It was Doku’s fourth goal (one goal, three assists). City then took it easy, made a lot of changes and immediately conceded the equalizer through Sinisterra (74′).
However, Man City then recovered. Bernardo Silva (83′) – again after an assist from Doku – and Nathan Aké (88′) completed the half-dozen. Doku’s four assists are a joint Premier League record. City overtake Tottenham at the top of the table with the win – but Spurs can follow suit against Chelsea on Monday evening
The Citizens already have to play in the Champions League on Tuesday (9pm), at home against Young Boys from Bern. Then, on Sunday, they travel to Chelsea FC (5.30pm). Bournemouth already face Newcastle United on Saturday (6.30pm).
