Bournemouth 0-1 Man City: Mahrez converts one of many chances as Citizens go top

It's all over at the Vitality Stadium and Man City are heading back to the top of the table. Mahrez's goal was enough to hand the visitors all three points - sending them two clear of Liverpool ahead of their game against Everton tomorrow, although Kevin de Bruyne was substituted with an injury. 

Match Report

The score may not reflect it, but this match was thoroughly and totally dominated by a Manchester City side who saw over 80% of possession and had 16 shots during the 90 minutes. It took a while for the breakthrough as Bournemouth defending compactly around their 18-yard box, but the negative of a potential injury to De Bruyne turned into a short-term positive as his replacement – Mahrez – eventually separated the two sides with his goal following a David Silva pass. 

The hosts did very little in terms of attacking, despite being behind for most of the second half. It was a comfortable afternoon for Ederson who did not face a single shot all match. The result sends City back atop the table ahead of Liverpool’s game tomorrow, while Bournemouth sit 12th. 

Match Events

11' Aguero is OFFSIDE! 

A wonderful ball over the top from Bernardo Silva as he picks out the run of Aguero up front, who has got in between Ake and Mepham. However, as Aguero gets into the ball, he is flagged for offside, with Boruc doing well to get down low to save the weak shot.

31' WHAT A TRY FROM OTAMENDI! 

De Bruyne takes a corner kick to the top of the penalty area where Otamendi waits unmarked. The service is perfect and the centre-back attempts an audacious overhead kick which flies inches over Boruc’s crossbar! 

45' De Bruyne goes off injured

Confirmation of the change which sees an injured De Bruyne replaced by Mahrez.

55'GOAL! Bournemouth 0-1 Man City (Mahrez)

The breakthrough has finally come after some quick ball movement in and around the penalty area allows David Silva to find Mahrez near the right-hand post. It’s a simple rolled pass to the former Premier League winner with Leicester City – who fires his shot first time past Boruc!

David Silva's vision led to the goal as his perfectly weighted assist allowed Mahrez to attack it at the first time of asking. 

77' Sterling brings the goalkeeper out but can't make it count

A mistake in defence allows Sterling to charge at Boruc’s goal unmarked, but the Bournemouth goalkeeper comes flying off his line to make a diving stop. Despite his best efforts, he puts the ball right into the path of Mahrez who balloons his shot high over the crossbar!

81' Aguero almost scored the UNLIKELIEST of goals!

Aguero has the ball well outside the penalty area on the right as he comes to a complete stop, looks up and fires an anticipatory cross for the run of Sterling. The ball doesn’t find its way into the wingers’ path – instead going towards the far corner which catches Boruc completely off-guard. A flailing dive backwards saves the blushes of the goalkeeper who turns the awkward delivery off the underside of the crossbar and out!

Player Ratings

Line-ups

Bournemouth XI: A. Boruc, Surman, Daniels, Clyne, Smith, J.King, Fraser, Aké, D. Brooks, J.Simpson, Chris Mepham

Subs: Gosling, A. Begović, Ibe, D.Rico, Mousset, Sam Surridge, K. Taylor

Man City XI: David Silva, S. Agüero, N. Otamendi, K. Walker, İ. Gündoğan, K. De Bruyne, R. Sterling, J. Stones, Ederson Moraes, Zinchenko, Bernardo Silva

Subs: V. Kompany, Danilo, Mahrez, Sané, Gabriel Jesus, Foden, A. Murić