Bournemouth secured their first-ever victory against Manchester City, winning 2-1 in a match that will be remembered for its intensity and significance. Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanlison propelled the Cherries to a historic triumph, showcasing their determination and resilience against one of Europe’s elite teams.
Bournemouth entered the match with newfound confidence, having recently earned four points from their previous two encounters against Aston Villa and Arsenal. From the kickoff, the Cherries looked determined, immediately applying pressure on City. Just two minutes into the game, Ederson was forced into a spectacular double save, thwarting efforts from both Semenyo and Justin Kluivert. The early signs were clear: Bournemouth meant business.
The home side’s relentless energy paid off in the ninth minute when Milos Kerkez delivered a cut-back from the byline. Semenyo cleverly manoeuvred past defender Josko Gvardiol, slotting the ball into the net to give Bournemouth an early lead. This goal set the tone for the rest of the first half, as City struggled to respond and failed to register a single shot on target before the break.
Manchester City Stumbles as Bournemouth Claims First-Ever Win
Bournemouth emerged from halftime brimming with confidence and nearly doubled their lead just one minute into the second half. However, Ederson was alert, quickly off his line to deny Evanlison’s effort. The Brazilian soon made his mark, sliding in to meet another low cross from Kerkez and deftly finding the bottom corner, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
The Cherries almost made it three shortly thereafter, but Adam Smith squandered a golden opportunity, blazing over the bar after Marcus Tavernier’s shot rebounded off the post. This miss would prove crucial, as City began to awaken from their slumber. It wasn’t until the 80th minute that City finally registered their first shot on target, albeit a tame effort from Erling Haaland that lacked power.
Just two minutes later, Josko Gvardiol managed to find the net with a header beyond Mark Travers, giving City a glimmer of hope. The reigning champions pressed for an equalizer, and in the dying moments of the match, Haaland thought he had salvaged a point, only to be thwarted by a miraculous goalline save before his rebound struck the post.
This loss for City means they slip to second place in the league after Liverpool’s comeback victory over Brighton, while Bournemouth climbs up to eighth in the standings.
For Bournemouth, this victory is monumental. Prior to this match, they had faced City 21 times without a single win, their only previous points coming from two draws in 1989 and 1999. However, with a well-organized and tenacious performance, the Cherries proved they could compete with one of the best teams in the world.
Semenyo and Kerkez were the standout performers, but it was a collective effort that saw Bournemouth triumph. Their defensive unit, particularly in the closing stages, held firm against City’s relentless attacks. The atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting “ole” with every completed pass, reveling in their team’s performance.
Evanilson’s goal demonstrated why Bournemouth invested a club-record £40.2 million to bring him in during the summer, providing crucial breathing room and instilling belief in the Cherries. They maintained a counterattacking threat throughout the match, with Semenyo, Tavernier, Smith, and David Brooks all coming close to extending their lead.
For Manchester City, the defeat raises concerns about their current form. Despite Pep Guardiola fielding a strong lineup that included Haaland, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva, the team lacked cohesion. This marked their first Premier League defeat since December 2023 and the first time they have lost consecutive games across all competitions since September 2023.
The seamless link between midfield and attack that City is known for was notably absent, especially in the first half. Relying heavily on crosses, City struggled to penetrate a resolute Bournemouth defense. Even after a stern halftime talk from Guardiola, the Citizens could not find their rhythm until Gvardiol’s late header ignited a sense of urgency.
Bournemouth’s steadfast defense and Travers’ incredible goalline save in the final moments epitomized their determination to secure a memorable victory. As City looks to regroup and rediscover their form, Bournemouth will savor this historic win, a moment that could serve as a pivotal turning point in their season.
