Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester City
Back on top of the Premier League and two points clear at the summit.
It’s games and results like this which help you win titles.
In truth, there weren’t too many Premier League 2019 highlights but, at this stage in a long campaign, it’s not about how you win but the fact you do.
In the words of Guardian football writer Stuart James: it’s about results, not aesthetics!
Before you re-assess the Premier League 2019 betting odds, however, it’s worth noting City – already without Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte – lost Kevin De Bruyne to injury in the first half and John Stones early in the second period.
Pep Guardiola later confirmed De Bruyne had come off with a muscular issue, while Stones was substituted as a precaution.
The reigning champions will hope those key men are not out for long.
Highlights of the game
All SBOBET fans will acknowledge, of course, that City have massive strength in depth, and Riyad Mahrez is a quality replacement.
On for De Bruyne, the Algerian international – a club record £60 million signing from Leicester City who has received recent criticism for some below-par performances – scored the only goal at the Vitality Stadium 10 minutes after the restart, his 10th of the season was a clinical finish from a tight angle.
It was enough to secure a fifth successive league win and could prove to be the most important goal yet for the 2016 Player of the Year since his arrival in the north-west.
Just like in midweek, City weren’t quite at their best on the south coast but did more than enough to see off a spirited West Ham, and it was the same here.
In the first half, a tame Stones header was their only attempt on target. David Silva had earlier side-footed wide when well-placed from De Bruyne’s pullback, while centre-back Nicolas Otamendi directed an acrobatic effort on to the roof of the net.
They dominated throughout in the second half, too, with the Premier League’s top scorer, Sergio Aguero, hitting the bar from long range and Mahrez seeing his header well saved by veteran Polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc. The hosts failed to muster one effort on goal let alone on target, failed to win a corner and had just 18 per cent possession throughout.
It’s the first time they have failed to register an attempt in a Premier League game since being promoted in 2015.
Yet Bournemouth deserved some credit for a dogged and disciplined showing, a far cry from their midweek display at Arsenal and an understandable approach given they were up against the most prolific side in the top flight.
Cherries boss Eddie Howe was in the Bournemouth team the last time they avoided defeat against City – that was a third-tier game in 1999.
Given City were unbeaten in their previous 13 meetings, winning the seven Premier League fixtures by an aggregate score of 24-3, many fans thought this would be fairly straightforward.
Once Mahrez scored, the outcome was never in doubt.
Key statistics
The Cherries have only avoided defeat in one of their seven home games against City, a goalless draw in the third tier 20 years ago.
Their six most recent home defeats in the league have come against established top-six sides, including all four losses this season.
Guardiola’s side has won four successive league games without conceding. They last managed four wins with clean sheets in September 2017.
Mahrez’s goal was his first in the Premier League since he netted on December 4 in a 2-1 success at Watford. Five of his league goals for his new club have come away from home.
City’s 100 per cent record in eight games against Bournemouth is the best in English top-flight history.
David Silva has provided an assist in each of his past three Premier League away games.
Bournemouth have conceded a total of 31 goals in their 11 matches against top-six opposition this season.
What’s next?
Bournemouth travel to bottom club Huddersfield next week and host Newcastle a fortnight today (March 16). They round off March with a trip to Leicester City.
Man City host Watford in the Premier League next weekend, followed three days later by the second leg of their Champions League tie at home to Schalke (they lead 3-2 from the first leg).
It’s then a trip to Wales and Swansea in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
City conclude March with a visit to basement battlers Fulham.
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