Manchester City continued their impressive start to the new season of the Premier League and thoroughly outclassed Bournemouth with a 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium. The Blues have now extended their lead to the top of the Premier League table by five points.
The Cherries had no match for City’s pace, superiority and continuous pressing as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the game with their playing style.
Kevin De Bruyne was at the forefront, as he opened the scoring, with goals also coming from Kelechi Iheanacho, Raheem Sterling, and Ilkay Gundogan, who was making his Premier League debut for the Blues.
However, there was drama in the dying minutes of the match as Nolito was shown a red card for an attempted headbutt on Adam Smith.
Here are 5 things we learned from Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth:
#5 Wilshere fails to make the most of his first start debut
Signed from Arsenal in the summer transfer window on deadline day, Jack Wilshere joined the Cherries on loan in order to get some first-team action and show the footballing world that he still has it.
Sidelined due to injury for most of the time last season for the Gunners, this game was a wonderful opportunity for Wilshere to demonstrate his talent. But Wilshere failed to add that silver lining for Eddie Howe’s side.
The England international looked unfit, clumsy and even lost possession on many occasions. A lot more was expected from him and he had a game to forget as the Manchester City midfield ran him ragged.
But, it would be unfair on Wilshere to judge him on just one game, and even more so in a game where he did not get a whiff of the ball and against heavyweights like Manchester City.
#4 Kompany has a tough task ahead of him to get back to the side
Vincent Kompany was hailed as one of the best centre backs when he was fully fit. But in recent times, injuries have led him to miss a major chunk of the first team action.
Kompany made the City bench last night, but Guardiola decided to stick with Aleksandar Kolarov, who has played the left back position as well as a central defender under Guardiola.
Sitting comfortably ahead of the Cherries, the City boss brought in youngster John Stones for the injured Nicolas Otamendi. Guardiola earlier mentioned that he will only play the Belgian when he is fully fit.
"For me, when Kompany is ready - how difficult (to leave him out)? Absolutely nothing. They have to compete with each other and we'll see on the pitch what is the best for that game”, Guardiola said about Kompany in the week leading up to the game.
The road doesn’t look easy for the former captain, but his experience and leadership will be useful if City want to win the league.
#3 The Sterling revolution continues
Sterling led the Citizens to a thumping win over the Cherries with a hat-trick at the Etihad last season and with the trust of Guardiola, the former Liverpool man continued his good form.
The 21-year-old had a disappointing season last year, but Guardiola has rejuvenated Sterling.
With his accurate passing ability, pace and dribbling, Sterling has now become an integral part of Guardiola’s team. With 3 goals and 5 assists this season, Sterling is proving his best to justify his £44million price tag.
#2 New faces display their potential
Manchester City might have spent big in the summer transfer window, but it’s fair to say they’ve had one of the best transfer window in recent years. Ilkay Gundogan had a stunning Premier League debut as he sealed a win for City scoring the fourth goal.
Returning from an injury he sustained last season, the German who was signed from Dortmund could make the midfield berth his own with performances like yesterday’s.
After an impressive EURO 2016, another new signing, Nolito, has adapted perfectly to the English conditions and the English game. The Spaniard was however sent off in the 86th minute for a needless challenge on Adam Smith; the only blemish on City’s perfect performance.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne is in red hot form
The Belgian playmaker who led City to a Manchester derby win last season, once again proved to be the difference for City. Playing as the central figure in the City attack, De Bruyne was a constant threat to the Bournemouth defence.
De Bruyne opened the scoring for City with a cheeky free-kick and also made an assist for Gundogan’s strike. De Bruyne’s movement with the ball and his key passes in City’s link up play left Bournemouth flummoxed.
Without the suspended Sergio Aguero, De Bruyne is proving to be City’s go-to man and with his recent form he is proving to be the best player in the Premier League.
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