Bournemouth Ends City’s 32-Game Unbeaten Run with Historic Win
Bournemouth shattered Manchester City’s 32-game unbeaten Premier League streak, stretching back to December 6, 2023, with a thrilling performance at Vitality Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a second defeat in four days following their Carabao Cup exit to Tottenham midweek.
Buoyed by recent draws against Aston Villa and Arsenal, Bournemouth came out strong. Within two minutes, City goalkeeper Ederson was forced into a double save against efforts from Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert. The Cherries’ high press paid off in the ninth minute, as Milos Kerkez set up Semenyo for the opening goal.
City struggled to create chances in the first half, while Bournemouth maintained momentum. Early in the second half, Ederson denied Evanilson’s attempt, but the forward soon capitalized on his next chance, sliding in Kerkez’s low cross to make it 2-0. Adam Smith missed an open goal that could have extended the lead, sending a shot over the bar after Marcus Tavernier’s attempt hit the post.
City’s first shot on target came in the 80th minute, with Erling Haaland unable to generate power on his volley. Moments later, Josko Gvardiol’s header narrowed the gap, giving City a glimmer of hope. In added time, Haaland nearly equalized with a close-range shot, but Travers’ save on the line and a follow-up off the post kept Bournemouth’s lead intact. With this loss, City slipped to second in the standings, while Bournemouth climbed to eighth.
Bournemouth Triumphs in Historic First Win Over City
Bournemouth’s persistence finally paid off after 21 previous meetings without a win against City. Despite history, the Cherries delivered a well-coordinated performance to earn their first victory against the defending champions. Semenyo and Kerkez led the charge, but the entire team contributed, especially as they held firm defensively in the closing moments.
Fans erupted with every completed pass in a dominant first half. After Semenyo’s clever opener, manager Andoni Iraola’s team maintained an aggressive approach, causing City headaches with their relentless pressing and bold play. Evanilson justified his £40.2 million transfer fee, doubling the lead and sparking belief in a famous victory.
Despite City’s late pressure and Gvardiol’s goal, Bournemouth resisted until the end, proving their win was fully deserved.
Manchester City Struggles in Rare Defeat
City’s injury woes were evident, with Guardiola noting only 13 fit players after the midweek Carabao Cup loss. Despite fielding key names like Haaland, Phil Foden, and Ederson, City lacked cohesion, especially between midfield and attack, which disrupted their usual flow.
City’s response after the break fell short, and while Gvardiol’s goal raised hopes, Bournemouth’s solid defense held firm. Haaland’s near-equalizer and Foden’s missed opportunity underscored City’s frustrations as they succumbed to a determined Bournemouth side, marking a rare successive loss for the champions.
