BOURNEMOUTH — Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson got on the scoresheet as the hosts held on for a stunning 2-1 victory over champions Manchester City on Saturday, ending the visitors' unbeaten streak in the Premier League at 32 games.
The loss dropped Pep Guardiola's City — who had not lost in the league since a 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Dec. 6 — to second in the table with 23 points after 10 matches, two points behind Liverpool. Andoni Iraola's side climbed to eighth on 15 points with their first victory over City in the club's history.
Bournemouth vs Man City highlights
Bournemouth were rewarded for their strong start with Semenyo's ninth-minute goal. Milos Kerkez superbly worked the ball up the left side to the byline before sending a low cross to Semenyo, who turned and beat goalkeeper Ederson.
BOURNEMOUTH LEAD MANCHESTER CITY. Antoine Semenyo with a fantastic finish for a shock early 1-0 advantage.
Peacock | #MCIBOU pic.twitter.com/Ce3hoBkiCV— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 2, 2024
Evanilson doubled the lead in the 64th when he latched onto Kerkez's cross and slotted home.
BOURNEMOUTH UP 2-0 ON MANCHESTER CITY.
Peacock | #BOUMCI pic.twitter.com/d53Iovjl1K— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 2, 2024
City, who have been struggling with injuries to key players, created a nervy finish after pulling a goal back in the 82nd minute when Josko Gvardiol leapt to meet Ilkay Gundogan's cross, his looping header pushed in off the bar by Mark Travers.
¡Gvardiol hace creer al City en la remontada!
⚽ El croata remata de cabeza y la pone en el ángulo para acercar a los "Cityzens"⚫ AFC Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester City#LigaPremierTD pic.twitter.com/0yER41nMuG
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 2, 2024
That came two minutes after City's scoring machine Erling Haaland had his side's first shot on target and the visitors kept the pressure on Travers, who had had little to do up to that point, and Bournemouth's defense in the dying minutes.
Travers made a terrific save in added time to help secure Bournemouth's win when he stopped Haaland's header from close range. The striker then fired his own rebound off the post.
Who kept Haaland to watch him register 1.04xG and blank? pic.twitter.com/pYKrEJhgNu
— The FPL Newsletter (@LazyFPL) November 2, 2024
"We knew we couldn't match the intensity," said Guardiola. "We have talked about it. It was an open game. We had chances at the end but I congratulate Bournemouth for the victory."
Tyler Adams plays final 24 minutes of Bournemouth's first-ever English league win over Man City. Great to see USMNT midfielder back and contributing to historic Cherries victory pic.twitter.com/U9RntL4mtq
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) November 2, 2024
City have been hampered by a long list of injuries, although winger Jeremy Doku made a surprise return and the second-half substitute instantly made his presence felt.
Neither captain Kyle Walker nor key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne were expected to play either but the former started and the latter returned to the bench.
Phil Foden also had a decent chance for City but dragged his shot wide of the net in the second half.
Haaland went down after a challenge from Lewis Cook just before the hour but VAR determined it was a fair tackle. The Norwegian was on the ground for several minutes receiving treatment before continuing but could not find the net.
UPSET COMPLETE. Bournemouth take down Manchester City 2-1 at Vitality Stadium!
Peacock | #BOUMCI pic.twitter.com/1gfHQuJlBC— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 2, 2024
(Reporting by Lori Ewing; editing by Clare Fallon and Ken Ferris)
