Manchester City gave their returning home fans exactly what they were looking for at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, dispatching of newly-promoted Bournemouth in their first home game of the new season.
An overwhelmingly one-sided first-half ultimately got the job done for the Blues, who penned the Cherries back from the first minute and never looked like letting up with their relentless pressure.
İlkay Gündoğan opened the scoring for the hosts, latching on to a through ball from home debutant Erling Haaland and slotting past Mark Travers in the Bournemouth goal.
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The strikes did not stop there, as Kevin de Bruyne got in on the act, carrying the ball from the halfway line and feathering a beautiful travela finish into the corner of the net.
Phil Foden also managed a goal before his half-time withdrawal, collecting a Kevin de Bruyne pass and converting via a deflection.
The second half was more about control than clinical finishing, but there was still time for another goal, as João Cancelo worked his magic and forced Jefferson Lerma to turn it into his own net.
A stylish and effective display, the victory put Manchester City top of the Premier League for at least a day, and continued their perfect start to the new English top-flight campaign.
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Here's how we rated the players from Manchester City's win over Bournemouth on Saturday!
Ederson - 7
A predictably quiet afternoon for the Brazilian international, with Manchester City's number one between the sticks only required to show his handling on one or two occasions, as he collected an easy clean sheet.
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Kyle Walker - 7
Another match in which Walker was asked to step into the middle of the pitch when in possession, and he seems to be getting more comfortable with it. Provided defensive cover too.
Ruben Dias - 7
Always up for a physical challenge, and he had his work cut out against Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore. He did not win many aerial duels against the bigger man, but did not disgrace himself either.
Nathan Aké - 7.5
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Allowing his centre-back partner to challenge Moore, Nathan Aké was free to sweep up against Bournemouth’s quicker threats, and he did so impressively. He will be difficult to dislodge in Pep Guardiola's starting XI now.
Joao Cancelo - 7.5
Had been having a pretty average game, simply being used as a possession outlet in Manchester City’s dominant display. He exploded into life at the end, showing his class to force the fourth goal.
Rodri - 7
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Had very little to do in the midfield zone outside of recycling possession, such was Manchester City’s control.
Ilkay Gündoğan - 8
Retaining his place from last week, our captain for the day was impressive again. Often wriggling out of tight spaces, the German international was also the man to open the scoring with a fine finish, and earned a rest in the second half.
Kevin de Bruyne - 9.5 (MOTM)
Same old, same old. KDB did what he does best - laying waste to Premier League defences. He could have claimed many more assists than the one he got, and his goal was delicious. A gem.
Riyad Mahrez - 7
Could not always exert his influence as he was being doubled up on by Bournemouth, but he was steady on the ball as ever.
Erling Haaland - 7.5
Did not see the ball as much as he would have liked, but he was unlucky to just miss out on a few chances and he did very well to set up the opener.
Phil Foden - 7.5
A fine 45 minute’s work. Set up Kevin de Bruyne’s goal, grabbed one for himself and was given the second half off for good measure.
Substitutes
Jack Grealish - 7
A trademark Grealish display, as he ruffled all sorts of feathers in the Bournemouth backline with his ball carrying.
John Stones - 6.5
Very little defending to do, played the ball fairly well.
Bernardo Silva - 6.5
Got on the ball a few times centrally and sprayed it around, as well as his usual pressing efforts.
Julian Álvarez - 6
Few chances to get at the Bournemouth backline in his 15 minutes on the pitch.
Rico Lewis - N/A
Not enough time to make an influence, but congratulations nonetheless to Rico Lewis on making his senior Manchester City first-team debut.
Featured Image Credit: Sportimage / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Bournemouth, Premier League, Football
