City 4 Bournemouth 0
September 17th 2016 54,335
Yet another fine performance by City enabled the table toppers to keep their record breaking start with their 8th victory on the trot in all games. Bournemouth were the sufferers this time and it could have been even more than four goals. Man of the match Kevin De Bruyne almost scored in the opening seconds but he out-thought the Bournemouth defenders shortly after when he struck a free kick under the jumping wall. He then proceeded to lift the crowd with an impressive range of passes all brilliantly weighted. Iheanacho scored his usual goal and played well in the absence of Aguero. Sterling too had a great game and almost scored the goal of the season beating several players before hitting the post. Gundogan got off the mark in his league debut and he looks an excellent player. Kolarov is new born and it's quite amazing to see him play now. The only black mark was the red card for Nolito given for an attempted head butt late in the game. It was pretty stupid and totally unnecessary. With City rampant the defence had little to do and there was plenty of opportunity to see the inter passing of the defence with Bravo playing his part. The atmosphere in the stadium was very good and it was probably City's best showing so far this season.
Quite a few visiting fans had made the long journey from the South
City made 4 changes - Clichy in for Stones, Iheanacho for Aguero, Sagna for Zabaleta and Nolito for Navas
Bournemouth had brought a lot of hot sun with them
The new kick-off did not start well for the visitors
City intercepted a pass and Kevin was able to get in an early shot after just 18 seconds but Boruc was able to save
On 5 minutes Iheanacho had a shot blocked
5 minutes later Bravo had to clear a corner
a minute later Sterling is brought down but nothing comes of the free kick
Then on 14 minutes Wilshere brings down Nolito on the edge of the penalty area
Kevin takes the free kick and instead of shooting over the wall he shoots under the jumping defenders - brilliant thinking!
The keeper is helpless as the ball flies past him into the net and City are one up!
The South Stand enjoyed that!
The Bournemouth defenders look a bit dejected
It's celebration all round as City take that vital early lead
De Bruyne is off on a run again and this time Nolito gets in a shot which is saved by Boruc
Boruc is the busiest man on the pitch trying to keep out City
Otamendi gets a yellow card for a foul on Arter
Kolarov heads the free kick clear
Iheanacho gets the ball and gives it to De Bruyne..
...Kevin gives a really good weighted pass to Sterling....
Sterling takes the ball down the wing and crosses to Iheanacho
....who stabs the ball into the empty net and the South Stand goes berserk as City go two up. What a magnificent goal - from defence to attack in seconds- outstanding stuff by City
What a great goal - keep it up City!
Pep has a word with Kolarov
Otamendi has to block an attack
Bravo has some work to do
Kolarov shoots from 35 yards but Boruc saves
Yet another city attack....
...ends with Sterling having his effort saved by the keeper
Just before half time central defender Kolarov puts a cross which was pretty dangerous but no City player could reach it
Three minutes after the break and City were at it again - Kevin put a good ball to Iheanacho who attacked the goal
He drew the keeper and slid the ball across the face of the goal .......
All Sterling had to do was to pass into the net.....
The ball just went over the line before a defender got back to clear so City went three up and the Family Stand stood and cheered
City celebrations were a little subdued with the keeper being injured
Another free kick for De Bruyne but this time much further out and his shot went over the wall and tested the keeper
After 52 minutes Stones came on for Otamendi who had been booked
Surprise surprise Bravo had to make a save from Wilson
On 57 minutes Boruc had to make a good save from Sterling
The keeper needed further treatment so it was time for a drink!
After 64 minutes Sterling cut inside......
and beat several defenders in a dribble.....
......before getting in a shot which hit the post ....
...and came back to the keeper!
What a goal that would have been
a couple of minutes later and Kevin puts through a great ball to Gundogan....
...who shoots past Boruc to make it four nil - great football
The Family stand have more to shout about
On 76 minutes Wilson hits the City bar
I thought the ref might have ordered a scrum watching the tussle to clear the danger
With only a few minutes to go there was an incident near the tunnel
But it ended with a red card for Nolito .........
A very happy home journey for City fans
oh and I've just heard Watord have beaten United
Team
Bravo 7: Sagna 7, Otamendi 7 ( Stones 7) Kolarov 7.5, Clichy 7: Fernandinho 8, Sterling 8.5, De Bruyne 10 (Garcia), Gundogan 8 (Sane ) Nolito 7 ,Iheanacho 8
