Manchester City\u2019s shock 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday ended their Premier League unbeaten streak at 32 games as Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson scored for the Cherries who claimed their first ever win over the visitors.<\/p>\n
The unexpected loss dropped City \u2013 who had not lost in the league since a 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Dec 6 \u2013 to second with 23 points after 10 matches, two points behind Liverpool.<\/p>\n
The win saw Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth climb to eighth on 15 points.<\/p>\n
“We knew we couldn’t match the intensity,” City manager Pep Guardiola candidly told the BBC.<\/p>\n
“We’ve talked about it. It was an open game. We had chances at the end but I congratulate Bournemouth for the victory.”<\/p>\n
Bournemouth\u2019s strong start were rewarded when Semenyo’s ninth-minute attempt found the back of the goal, after Milos Kerkez had superbly worked the ball up the left side to the byline before sending a low cross to Semenyo, who turned and beat goalkeeper Ederson.<\/p>\n
The lead was doubled in the 64th by Evanilson when he latched onto Kerkez’s cross and slotted home. City, who have been struggling with injuries to key players, pulled 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 keeper Mark Travers. This was two minutes after Erling Haaland had his side’s first shot on target and the visitors kept the pressure on Travers and Bournemouth’s defence in the dying minutes.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Hampered unfortunately by a long list of injuries, City winger Jeremy Doku made a surprise return and the second-half substitute instantly made his presence felt. Although neither captain Kyle Walker nor key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne were expected to play, the former started while the latter was confined to the bench where he stayed.<\/p>\n
Phil Foden also was gifted a decent chance for City in the second half but unfortunately dragged his shot wide of the net. Haaland was brought 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.<\/p>\n
It was the second consecutive home victory for the south-coast side, who also stunned title hopefuls Arsenal 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium two weeks ago.<\/p>\n
“It feels amazing,” forward Semenyo said. “The best team in the world. We made it tough for them and everyone is buzzing with the result. A win is a win. It doesn’t matter if it is one goal or three, we deserved it.<\/p>\n
“We have belief,” added the 24-year-old. “We train hard every day and take it onto the pitch. Everyone is going to write us off but we know what we can do.”<\/p>\n
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