Back to back 4-0 victories in the space of a week, maximum league points and a 100% competitive record. When will the Pep Guardiola City train stop?
Eddie Howe’s men came to the Etihad to play football, and credit to them, but the Sky Blues blew them away at times. Another half-time lead thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s clever free-kick under the wall and Kelechi Iheanacho finishing a neat City counter eased City into their fifth league game this season.
Raheem Sterling made it three just after the interval, thanks to goal line technology clearing the referee from any confusion, and Ilkay Gundogan got a goal on his Premier League debut to end the rout. With just minutes left, Nolito lost his cool in a moment with Bournemouth defender Adam Smith and received a straight red for flicking his head at him, somehow Smith escaped with just a yellow despite being just as guilty as City’s Spaniard.
Once more, it’s high grades for the blues, let’s have a look at how I rated them…
Claudio Bravo
Two clean sheets on the bounce for Claudio, didn’t have too much to do today but made the saves when required. Passed as well as he normally will.
6/10
Bacary Sagna
Had some great joy in aiding Raheem Sterling down the right wing and was strong in a defence, despite it being quiet in terms of Bournemouth attacks.
7/10
Nicolas Otamendi
Dove in a bit too much for me today but recovered really well when Bournemouth used Josh King’s pace for over-the-top balls. Was rested for John Stones early in the second-half, probably down to being yellow carded earlier on.
7/10
Aleksander Kolarov
Solid when tested and his long switches to the flanks were absolutely pin-point. Changed man.
8/10
Gael Clichy
Can’t fault his game today, didn’t get involved in the attack too much but City needed his pace to stop Bournemouth counters, so all in all a pretty average performance from the Frenchman.
6/10
Fernandinho
Thought he was City’s general today, his passing goes under the radar a lot, then again, so does his performances in a whole. Pressed timely and recovered the ball quickly.
8/10
Ilkay Gundogan
Goal on his Premier League debut, Gundogan already looks like he’s been a City player for years. Doesn’t look like a man phased from a four month injury. Quality all-round performance from the German.
8/10
Kevin De Bruyne
Three times in a week the Belgian has single-handedly ran the show. Putting in a good bid for the league’s very best on current form. His free-kick was a piece of genius and his assist for Gundogan’s goal was inch-perfect.
9/10
Raheem Sterling
Pinned his marker wide and showed his dribbling quality throughout, his goal was a nice round off to another great game from the youngster. Finally showing some consistency, long may it continue.
9/10
Nolito
Offensively efficient, defensively disciplined, Nolito is the perfect bargain for the Guardiola system. Let himself down though at the end by getting sent off.
7/10
Kelechi Iheanacho
Relied upon as City’s second striker and his goal involvement return gives all the fans comfort in this, his age is not an issue. The longer he goes under the radar the better if you ask me, he’s going to be a star one day.
8/10
Substitutes
John Stones – 7/10
Came on for a good 40 minutes, retained the ball well and did a job for Guardiola.
Leroy Sane – 6/10
Looked lively when he came on, hoping to see more of him against Swansea in the EFL cup mid-week.
Aleix Garcia – 7/10
Another youngster given a chance under Guardiola, Garcia is a gifted technician and he proved this in his calmness on his senior league debut.