Manchester City’s bid to retain their Premier League title suffered a serious blow on Saturday, as they fell 2-1 to Bournemouth in a surprising upset that allowed Liverpool to leapfrog them in the standings.
City initially looked to assert control, with Ederson making key early saves, including a crucial block from Antoine Semenyo’s low drive in the 2nd minute.
But Bournemouth’s breakthrough came quickly. In the 9th minute, Semenyo latched onto a well-placed pass and buried a precise shot into the bottom right corner, putting Bournemouth ahead 1-0.
Despite City’s efforts to regroup, Bournemouth struck again after the break. Evanilson, seizing on a deadly cross, coolly finished a low shot into the bottom left corner in the 64th minute, extending Bournemouth’s lead to 2-0.
Just minutes later, Marcus Tavernier nearly made it three, rattling the post with a powerful strike from outside the box.
City’s pushback came in the 82nd minute when Ilkay Gundogan’s lofted pass found Josko Gvardiol, who rose high to head the ball past Mark Travers, pulling one back for City.
The goal reinvigorated Pep Guardiola’s side, and City threw everything forward, hoping to salvage a point.
However, Bournemouth’s defence, led by Travers’ standout performance, held firm. The keeper made a sensational stop against Erling Haaland’s shot in the 80th minute and again in stoppage time, diving to save Haaland’s powerful header.
In the dying moments, Haaland had one final chance, but his effort struck the post, sealing City’s defeat.
The result leaves Manchester City trailing in the title race, with Liverpool capitalising on their slip-up.