Pep Guardiola praised his Manchester City “supermen” after they narrowed the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to just one point with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Bournemouth.
While facing local fireworks, an off-target Erling Haaland, and a relentless second-half attack from the hosts, the champions emerged victorious, securing their 15th win in their last 17 matches.
Phil Foden’s first-half tap-in was sufficient for City, who capitalised on Liverpool’s absence due to Carabao Cup final commitments this weekend. However, despite a narrow 1-0 victory over Brentford in midweek, City once again failed to showcase their usual fluidity.
Manchester City narrowly defeat Bournemouth
City began the game strongly at Vitality Stadium, with Haaland firing wide in the ninth minute. This marked the first of several missed opportunities from the division’s current top scorer.
Haaland’s following chance was thwarted by Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto following Mateo Kovacic’s lofted pass. However, Foden was in the right place at the right time to calmly slot home from close range, securing his 16th goal of the season.
Subsequently, the visitors struggled to build on their lead, allowing the Cherries to finish the first half strongly. Ederson was called into action to parry Ryan Christie’s powerful strike.
Andoni Iraola’s team continued to dominate and had a golden opportunity to equalise in the 55th minute. Antoine Semenyo delivered a precise cross to Marcus Tavernier, who unfortunately scuffed his shot into the ground. Ruben Dias then cleared the ball with a header to ensure City’s lead remained intact.
Minutes later, Taverner misfired another shot off target before Ederson made a crucial save, clawing away Dominic Solanke’s close-range header with 23 minutes remaining.
Bournemouth persisted in their pursuit of an equaliser, with Dango Ouattara firing a shot wide. Their last chance fell to January signing Enes Unal in stoppage time, but he headed Semenyo’s cross wide of the post, extending their winless league streak to seven matches.
Manchester City players are “supermen”
After the game Pep Guardiola labelled his players “supermen.”
“They are supermen. What can I say? The demands for the calendar, for everything, for the expectations, they are so high. What they have done many, many years with a lot of games, many things and always you believe they will fall down, not continue to do it and they surprise me every time,” via Manchester City’s YouTube.