Manchester City appear to have put their recent setback behind them after bouncing back strongly from a disappointing defeat at Aston Villa — their third league loss of the campaign — with successive wins in all competitions.
Pep Guardiola’s men followed up their Carabao Cup victory over Swansea with a confident Premier League triumph against an in-form Bournemouth side, earning three vital points to stay in touch with the leaders.
The champions produced a commanding display at the Etihad, extending their flawless home record against Bournemouth to nine straight league wins.
Erling Haaland once again proved decisive, scoring twice to take his tally to 13 league goals this season. Both strikes were coolly finished after inch-perfect assists from Rayan Cherki, whose creativity lit up the game.
The Norwegian’s brace also etched his name alongside Robbie Fowler and Luis Suárez as the only players to have scored two or more goals in four consecutive Premier League home matches. However, he narrowly missed out on a hat-trick after failing to convert late chances before being replaced by Omar Marmoush with eight minutes remaining.
Defender Nico O’Reilly sealed the victory with a crisp finish from Phil Foden’s assist — a fitting moment on Foden’s 200th league appearance for City.
Rodri made his return from a month-long hamstring injury, replacing Foden, while substitute Tijjani Reijnders also came close with a powerful effort that tested Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
With Arsenal setting a blistering pace at the top, City’s recent resurgence suggests they are finding their rhythm again and remain very much in the Premier League title race.
