In the build-up to the Premier League game between Manchester City and Bournemouth, questions over Sergio Aguero and Claudio Bravo’s status in the squad had been the topic of discussion. But fate, as they say, has other plans and within the first quarter of an hour, Aguero was back leading the Citizens line as the team acclimatised to Gabriel Jesus’s injury.
Bournemouth on the other hand, have their own set of problems that need their urgent attention. The South Coast club hasn’t won a single game in 2017 and their winless run in all competitions has now been extended to seven games across all competitions.
And to make matters worse, they lost their two key players i.e. Wilshere and Simon Francis to injuries in the first half itself. Eddie Howe though will be concerned given the Cherries slide down the table and the current upturn in form of other relegation contenders as they look to avoid getting drawn into a relegation battle.
On the night, though, City ran out as winners as they moved their way up the table, climbing three places with goals from Raheem Sterling and an unfortunate Tyronne Mings own goal. The match also resulted in the referee flashing a total of five yellow cards with City players dominating the charts in that aspect as well.
#1 No Monday Blues for Sterling
The Englishman has often been accused of blowing hot and cold during the entirety of a season. But on Monday night, the winger was back to his best. Alongside the trio of Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero and David Silva, the former Liverpool man was irresistible.
His role on the night was impressive as he racked up a performance which involved a goal and an assist. Sterling had the chance to put his side ahead in the lead as early as the 26th minute, but a deflection off a Bournemouth defender ensured that the shot was prevented from going in.
Not to be outdone, Sterling was back giving his side the lead a couple of minutes later, as he was on hand at the far post to convert Sane’s deflected cross. The ability of the winger to adjust his body to convert despite the deflection shows what the youngster is capable of.
Sterling has already equalled his Premier League tally of six goals from last season and looks set to go a step further. And the Bournemouth team is one which Sterling relishes playing against as was evidenced by his fifth goal against them in the Premier League.
#2 Bournemouth’s backline should have Eddie Howe worried
The Cherries have suffered a loss in form since the start of the calendar year and the main concern for them is their defence. Alongside, Leicester they are the only team to have collected fewer points in 2017. And Howe, who is a respected figure among the Cherries faithful knows very well that if the current vein of form carries on, the Cherries will have only themselves to blame.
Howe, though was generous in his assessment and complimented the way in which City played. Speaking after the game, Howe stated, “City were very good. For an away team that was a very controlled performance. Our lads gave absolutely everything, I can't ask any more of them. We need to get our bounce back - that's only going to come with a win, but I think today was a positive step.”
Indeed it was a good performance by the team and they had the opportunity to be back on equal terms after the City opener, if not for the keen eyes of the linesman who was able to detect the pull by Joshua King on John Stones as he swept in a cross from the right. There were further chances that the Cherries created but none of them was fruitful as they struggled to break the City defence down.
Howe, though, will be keen to improve his leaking defence which has conceded at least two goals in each of their last 10 games, an unenviable statistic to say the least.
#3 City on the rise
One of the better sounding statistics for Guardiola this season is their from in Monday night games. The Citizens have had a perfect record on Monday this season with the team winning all their six games that they have played on this particular day of the week by an aggregate score of 20-1.
Coming into this game on the back of a convincing win at the London Stadium last weekend, City oozed class and confidence from the onset. This was their fourth successive win in all competitions and the team looks revitalised. And with Silva and De Bruyne being shifted into deeper roles, they have provided a certain fluidity to City attacks.
Guardiola was effusive in praising the performance of the team. Speaking to BBC after the game the Spaniard stated, “We made a real performance. I am so pleased with how we did and especially the last 10-15 minutes, we did the right way to make the result with a thousand million passes. It is important to score goals, we are in deficit but it is OK.”
The only blot on the performance was the injury incurred by Gabriel Jesus. The win against Bournemouth ensured that City moved to within eight points of Chelsea and more importantly into second place and an automatic Champion’s League spot. Whether the title race lasts the distance is another moot point. However, on the basis of their recent performances City may just fancy their chances over the next 13 league games.
#4 Cherries show battling qualities
For a team without a win in 2017, the Cherries showed they are still some distance away from total capitulation. In fact, the display coupled with home support ensured that City were made to labour for their win. The Cherries showed their character by putting in a shift which comprised of all the necessary attributes that are required from a team i.e. frenetic energy, slick passing, good movement and the urgency to make something happen.
While the result may not have been favourable, the performance deserved plaudits. However, wins along the way will ease the tension on Howe’s face as they look to arrest this slide.
Bournemouth do not play until the 25th when they visit the Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion.The Baggies themselves have been in stupendous form this season and currently lie in eighth having picked up a point against West Ham United over the weekend.
Howe will hope that the extended rest will give his side to recuperate and reformulate tactics which will ensure their presence in the Premier League next season.Since their win against Liverpool, Bournemouth has only beaten Leicester and Swansea City. If they are to avoid a relegation battle then the squad needs to pull up their socks.
#5 Aguero shows he still has a lot to offer
Having once again begun the game on the City bench, Aguero wouldn’t have expected to be called into action so early into the game. But an unfortunate injury to Guardiola’s man of the moment – Gabriel Jesus, meant that the Argentinian was back on the pitch and was the focal point of attack.
The Argentinian looked set to make up for lost time as he immediately threw himself into the game. In fact, the goal which doubled City’s lead was claimed by Aguero only for it to be ruled later as an own goal. But that doesn’t take anything away from the Argentine as he asserted himself in the game.
Aguero’s tenacity to get ahead of Mings for the second goal exacerbated the fact that he still has a lot to offer to this City side. With games against Huddersfield and Monaco coming up this month, Aguero will hope to start ahead of Jesus. As for the question of his future, that seems to be an issue for another day.
For the time being, Guardiola should appreciate the Argentine’s commitment. City are still on course for a treble, but in order to challenge on all fronts, the Spaniard needs his top most players in the squad to perform. One hopes that Guardiola will be able to utilise the Argentine skills that he possesses rather than crib about the skills he lacks.
