Impressive City maintained their 100% success rate by crushing the Cherries 4-0, with Kevin De Bruyne, Kelechi Iheanacho, Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan finding the net although Spanish international Nolito was later on sent off. Belgian international Kevin de Bruyne took a marvelous shot within 10 seconds and the Belgian continued to give threats to Bournemouth with a masterclass in attacking and midfield play right through.
The Citizen’s were simply too hot for the Cherries to handle on a sunny day in September at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola’s men moving the ball swiftly and decisively keeping most of the possession this afternoon.
Ilkay Gundogan struck his first goal for City, yet again another excellent display from Raheem Sterling and a return to the match-day squad for Vincent Kompany and City fans will be very full of optimism about just what this season could deliver, even if Nolito being sent off for a late clash with Adam Smith was a slight disappointment for them.
De Bruyne put Man City ahead with a wonderful free-kick placed under the jumping wall put up by the Cherries in front of goal. Bustling winger Nolito earned the set-piece, while attacking at the Bournemouth defence with Arsenal loanee Jack Wilshere bringing him down.
City doubled the lead with a devastating counter-attack from a Bournemouth free-kick. Nolito passed the ball to De Bruyne, who then timed and made a perfect pass to Sterling. He eventually laid off one for Kelechi Iheanacho to tap in a simple finish for his third goal in three games.
Guardiola’s side were dominant for most part, while their opponents were rather left chasing shadows, onto the sun-drenched turf at the Etihad with Bacary Sagna making one goal saving tackle to deny Junior Stanislas in the match as well.
City netted once again just minutes after the restart via a replica of the second goal. De Bruyne broke, but this time fed Iheanacho, who was unselfish and rolled the ball across for Sterling to feather the ball in.
Some more excellent link up play from Gael Clichy, Nolito and De Bruyne gave summer signing Gundogan his chance, the Germany international superbly finishing the chance to put one past Artur Boruc. Callum Wilson also managed to hit the bar late on for the visitors, but that was close as the visitors came.
