In a remarkable upset at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth secured their first-ever win against Manchester City, triumphing 2-1 in a match that will be etched in the club’s history. Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanlison propelled the Cherries to this momentous victory, showcasing their grit and determination against one of Europe’s top teams.
Bournemouth entered the match riding high after earning four points from their previous two games against Aston Villa and Arsenal. From the outset, they exuded confidence, applying immediate pressure on City. Just two minutes in, goalkeeper Ederson was forced into a stunning double save, denying both Semenyo and Justin Kluivert as Bournemouth sought to establish early dominance.
The home side’s relentless energy paid off in the ninth minute when Milos Kerkez delivered a cut-back from the byline. Semenyo cleverly maneuvered past Josko Gvardiol, slotting the ball beyond Ederson to give Bournemouth an early lead. This goal set the tone for the rest of the first half, as City struggled to respond, failing to register a single shot on target before the break.
Emerging from halftime, Bournemouth was full of confidence and nearly doubled their lead within the first minute. However, Ederson was sharp, swiftly off his line to deny Evanlison’s initial effort. The forward soon made amends, sliding in to meet another low cross from Kerkez and deftly finding the bottom corner, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
The Cherries almost made it three shortly after, but Adam Smith squandered a golden opportunity, blazing over the bar after Marcus Tavernier’s shot had rebounded off the post. This missed chance would prove pivotal as City began to awaken from their slumber.
It wasn’t until the 80th minute that City finally registered their first shot on target, albeit a weak effort from Erling Haaland that lacked power. Just two minutes later, Josko Gvardiol managed to find the net with a header beyond Mark Travers, giving City a glimmer of hope. The reigning champions pressed for an equalizer, and in the dying moments, Haaland thought he had salvaged a point, only to be thwarted by a miraculous goalline save and a subsequent shot that rattled the post.
This loss for City means they slip to second place in the league following Liverpool’s comeback victory over Brighton, while Bournemouth climbs up to eighth in the standings.
For Bournemouth, this victory is monumental. Prior to this match, they had faced City 21 times without a single win, their only previous points coming from two draws in 1989 and 1999. However, with a well-organized and tenacious performance, the Cherries proved they could stand toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the world.
Manchester City Stumbles as Bournemouth Claims First-Ever Victory
Semenyo and Kerkez emerged as standout performers, yet it was a collective team effort that saw Bournemouth triumph. Their defensive unit, particularly in the closing stages, held firm against City’s relentless attacks. The atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting “ole” with every completed pass, reveling in their team’s performance.
Evanilson’s goal showcased why Bournemouth invested a club-record £40.2 million to bring him in during the summer, providing crucial breathing room and instilling belief in the Cherries. They maintained a counterattacking threat throughout the match, with Semenyo, Tavernier, Smith, and David Brooks all coming close to adding to their tally.
For Manchester City, the defeat raises questions about their current form. Despite Pep Guardiola fielding a strong lineup that included Haaland, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva, the team lacked cohesion. This marked their first Premier League defeat since December 2023 and the first time they have lost consecutive games across all competitions since September 2023.
The seamless connection between midfield and attack that City is known for was notably absent, particularly in the first half. Relying heavily on crosses, City struggled to penetrate a resolute Bournemouth defense. Even after a stern halftime talk from Guardiola, the Citizens could not find their rhythm until Gvardiol’s late header instilled a sense of urgency.
Bournemouth’s steadfast defense and the incredible goalline save from Travers in the final moments epitomized their determination to secure a memorable victory. As City looks to regroup, Bournemouth will savor this historic win, which could serve as a turning point in their season.
source – BBC
