Making Another Surprise, Bournemouth Defeats and Breaks Man City's Record

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, exudes joy after scoring against Manchester City. (X/@afcbournemouth)

JAKARTA - Bournemouth again made a surprise in the English Premier League competition by defeating the leader of the standings Manchester City 2-1 in a match at the Vitality Stadium, Saturday, November 2, 2024 evening WIB.

The Premier League always brings up a different dark horse team in every competition season. Brentford and Brighton And Hove Albion were once surprise teams that blocked elite teams.

Even Leicester reached the peak of glory by winning the 2013 Premier League. An achievement that was completely beyond prediction and Leicester has never been able to repeat that success. It was proven that The Foxes were then relegated before returning to the highest caste of the English League.

Bournemouth, this season, has become a truly surprising team. Even though they lost to Chelsea and were beaten by Liverpool 3-0, Bournemouth were able to bounce back.

No half measures, The Cherries succeeded in silencing Arsenal 2-0. It didn't stop there, Bournemouth then forced Aston Villa to a 1-1 draw.

Now, Andoni Iraola's team maintains the impressive trend by beating Man City. Who would have thought that a mediocre team would be able to make the defending champions completely helpless.

Although Man City was very superior in ball possession, all of that meant nothing to Bournemouth who played effectively and efficiently.

The victory made them set a record. Bournemouth won for the first time in 15 matches against Man City in the Premier League.

Not only that, Man City's brilliant record of never losing for 32 matches was dashed. And, Bournemouth who broke that record also brought them to eighth place with 15 points.

Bournemouth's points are the same as Newcastle United who beat Arsenal 1-0. However, they are superior in goal difference so they can shift Newcastle.

On the other hand, Man City had to lose the throne in the standings. The top position was successfully taken by Liverpool who beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1. Now, Liverpool has 25 points and is two points ahead of Man City.

The match itself was exciting. Man City actually dominated the game. However, they had difficulty breaking through Bournemouth's defense. Not only striker Erling Haaland failed to take advantage of every opportunity but also Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.

Manager Pep Guardiola could actually field the best squad. Forward Savinho and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne were declared fit and started the match sitting on the bench. However, both were not played by Guardiola.

On the other hand, defender Kyle Walker who was previously doubtful was finally able to start. Likewise, goalkeeper Ederson returned to stand under the crossbar.

Although Man City's ball possession reached 70%, they actually conceded a goal. Even Ederson's goal had conceded when the match had only been going on for nine minutes. Winger Antoine Semenyo managed to score a goal after completing an assist from Milos Kerkez.

Trailing 1-0, Man City tried to rise. They played offensively to pressure Bournemouth's defense. However, The Cityzens' efforts failed to produce a goal. Until the end of the first half, the hosts managed to maintain a one-goal lead.

Entering the second half, Man City's game was better. However, their efforts always failed. Bournemouth even managed to increase their lead.

Striker Evanilson solidified the hosts' lead in the 64th minute. Kerkez, again, played a role in the process of creating Bournemouth's goal. His pass was finished well by Evanilson.

At 2-0, Man City still hoped to reduce the deficit. Moreover, they were still superior in ball possession.

Man City's efforts finally paid off in the 82nd minute. Defender Josko Gvardiol broke the deadlock after completing an assist from Ilkay Gundogan.

Only Man City was too late to catch up. They were unable to add a goal. Until the end of the match, the score remained 2-1 for Bournemouth.