Mansion Sports – Manchester City clinched a convincing 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the tenth week of the 2025/2026 Premier League season at Etihad Stadium.

Erling Haaland became the center of attention after netting twice in the 17th and 33rd minutes, followed by a goal from Nico O’Reilly in the second half. Bournemouth briefly leveled the score through Tyler Adams’ strike in the 25th minute.

The match unfolded in an open and dynamic fashion, with Bournemouth pressing bravely while Manchester City showcased remarkable efficiency in every attacking opportunity.

The sharp collaboration between Rayan Cherki and Haaland proved decisive, while the composed performances of Phil Foden and O’Reilly provided stability in the midfield. 

This victory propelled Manchester City to second place in the Premier League standings with 19 points, pushing Bournemouth down to fourth with 18 points. Head coach Pep Guardiola once again demonstrated his team’s dominance at home.

First Half: City’s Ruthless Precision and Haaland’s Impact

The game began with high intensity as Bournemouth delivered an early surprise through Kroupi, who found the net in the opening seconds. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside.

Manchester City quickly responded with a chance from Phil Foden, whose shot was blocked by Senesi. Haaland then tested goalkeeper Petrovic in the 12th minute, but the Bournemouth shot-stopper managed to keep it out.

City’s relentless pressure paid off in the 17th minute. Rayan Cherki’s header was deftly converted by Haaland with a clinical finish, giving The Citizens a 1-0 lead.

The advantage did not last long, as Bournemouth capitalized on City’s defensive lapse from a corner kick. Tyler Adams equalized in the 25th minute to make it 1-1.

City immediately responded with a series of attacking plays from Doku and Bernardo Silva down the left flank, though Senesi managed to deny the danger. VAR briefly reviewed a potential handball by Jimenez, but the referee ruled no foul.

The hosts regained the lead in the 33rd minute when Cherki once again orchestrated the play with a precise through ball to Haaland, who beat the offside trap and slotted home past Petrovic. The goal marked Haaland’s 98th in the Premier League.

Bournemouth continued to fight back through efforts from Semenyo and Tavernier, but Donnarumma was alert between the posts. At the other end, Petrovic made brilliant saves from Doku and Cherki to keep the score at 2-1 heading into halftime.

Second Half: O’Reilly Seals the Victory for Manchester City

Manchester City began the second half in full control. Nico O’Reilly delivered a fine cross to Haaland in the 48th minute, but his header went over the bar. Moments later, Semenyo attempted a long-range strike, easily collected by Donnarumma.

In the 51st minute, a swift combination between Brooks and Kroupi nearly yielded a goal, though Kroupi’s shot only hit the side netting. City quickly countered through Foden and Cherki, but the French midfielder’s attempt flew wide.

The momentum shifted firmly to Manchester City in the 60th minute. On his 200th Premier League appearance, Phil Foden provided an excellent pass to Nico O’Reilly, who surged into the penalty area and finished low into the corner of the net to extend the lead to 3-1.

Bournemouth continued to press, with Semenyo and Tavernier generating several dangerous chances, including a fierce shot blocked by Gvardiol in stoppage time. However, City’s disciplined defense and Donnarumma’s sharp reflexes preserved their advantage.

City almost added a fourth goal in the 88th minute when Savinho supplied a pass to Marmoush, but his shot hit the side netting. Near the end, Reijnders forced Petrovic into a crucial save in the 95th minute.

The referee’s final whistle confirmed an important victory for Manchester City. The dynamic partnership between Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland once again displayed the attacking efficiency of The Citizens, while Bournemouth suffered their first defeat in four matches.

Match Statistics: Manchester City vs Bournemouth