Manchester City thump Bournemouth to continue winning Premier League start

Updated: May 17, 2023, 04:55 am

Manchester City eased past newly-promoted Bournemouth to claim a 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden scored in the first half while Jefferson Lerma scored an own goal near the end of the game.

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The Premier League champions continued their winning start to the new campaign after beating West Ham United in their opening league game last week.

It was a tough afternoon for Bournemouth who were unable to replicate their performance in last week's victory over Aston Villa.

"As a team we did a really good performance," City boss Guardiola said. "They defend so so deep and so narrow.

"We started really well and we had chances. On a warm day it is not easy for many reasons. Without the ball we are there, with the ball we are patient enough to create the chances."

Erling Haaland, who was making his home debut, created the opening goal by brushing past two defenders to set up Gundogan after 19 minutes.

The hosts doubled their lead after 31 minutes when De Bruyne produced a fine finish with the outside of his right foot into the bottom corner.

The Belgium international then turned provider and set up Foden to score the third goal just before the break.

The second half turned out to be a quieter affair but City grabbed a fourth with 10 minutes remaining when Lerma turned Joao Cancelo's cross into his own net.

"The game was the game today," Bournemouth coach Scott Parker said. "The levels were different today against a world class team. I am pleased with how the team stuck with it."