In a stunning Premier League showdown, Bournemouth clinched their first-ever victory against Manchester City with a 2-1 win at Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson helped the Cherries pull off the upset, moving them into eighth place in the Premier League standings, a mere three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal. Manchester City, meanwhile, fell to second place, ceding the top spot to Liverpool. This defeat marks City’s first Premier League loss since last December and their first-ever loss to Bournemouth in history.
City struggled throughout the game, managing only one goal late in the match courtesy of a Josko Gvardiol header. The Cherries, however, looked strong from the outset, creating early chances and holding their ground defensively to secure this memorable victory.
Early Dominance by Bournemouth: Semenyo Opens the Scoring
From the opening whistle, Bournemouth applied early pressure, testing Manchester City’s usually solid defense. In the ninth minute, The Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo capitalized on a well-placed cross from Milos Kerkez, who impressed fans and pundits alike with his commanding performance on the left flank. After a smart setup by Kerkez, Semenyo executed a precise finish to put the Cherries ahead, marking his fourth Premier League goal of the season.
Manchester City struggled to respond in the first half, with Bournemouth’s defense stifling their typically high-powered attack. Despite several attempts, City failed to register a single shot on target before halftime. With City unable to find their rhythm, Bournemouth confidently held their lead, buoyed by the home crowd’s electrifying support.
Evanilson Doubles the Lead and City’s Desperate Comeback Attempt
The second half saw more of the same from Bournemouth, who continued to challenge City’s defense. In the 64th minute, left-back Milos Kerkez once again proved pivotal, driving down the left wing and delivering a brilliant low cross into the path of Evanilson. The striker turned the cross into the bottom corner, giving Bournemouth a commanding 2-0 lead and putting City on the back foot with limited time remaining.
Manchester City attempted a comeback in the final stages, showing some urgency and improving their attacking pace. Their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Josko Gvardiol scored a powerful header off an Ilkay Gundogan cross, reducing the deficit. Despite a flurry of late chances and City’s relentless push for an equalizer, Bournemouth held firm to seal the victory.
Milos Kerkez Shines as Man of the Match in Memorable Win
Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez was the standout performer in the match, earning the title of Man of the Match. Known for his strong first season with Bournemouth in 2023-24, the 20-year-old delivered a memorable performance on Saturday, providing crucial assists for both goals while displaying excellent defensive skills to help fend off City’s attacks. Kerkez’s impressive display has reportedly caught the attention of major clubs, including Manchester United, who may be eyeing the young talent in future transfer windows.
Kerkez’s involvement in the two key goals underlined his importance to Bournemouth’s game plan, both in terms of defensive stability and offensive support. His standout play reflects The Cherries’s growing confidence as they continue to climb the Premier League ranks this season.
What’s Next for Bournemouth and Manchester City?
Following this historic victory, Bournemouth will look to extend their unbeaten run to four matches as they face Brentford next Saturday. The Cherries have gained significant momentum in recent weeks and will aim to maintain their upward trajectory in the Premier League.
Manchester City, on the other hand, find themselves at a crucial juncture, with back-to-back losses raising questions about their current form. Pep Guardiola’s men will be keen to bounce back and end their losing streak when they travel to Sporting Lisbon for a Champions League clash on Tuesday night. Afterward, they will face another challenging Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend. With the competition heating up, City will be determined to regain their standing at the top of the league.
