Manchester City’s impressive 32-game unbeaten run in the Premier League ended with a surprising 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, as Liverpool claimed the top of the league standings. The defending English champions were handed their first league loss since last December, marking a rare stumble for Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Bournemouth’s Surprise Strike
The game began with intensity as Bournemouth, brimming with confidence from a recent victory over Arsenal, got off to a quick start. Just nine minutes in, Antoine Semenyo latched onto a well-placed cross from Milos Kerkez, turning it into a smooth finish to put the home side ahead. Bournemouth’s energy and determination were evident from the start, as they sought to capitalize on City’s recent struggles with injuries.
City, fresh from a midweek League Cup exit to Tottenham, appeared strained. Guardiola had admitted that some of his players were pushing through injuries, but Bournemouth exploited every opportunity. The Cherries extended their lead shortly after the hour mark when Evanilson scored, once again connecting with a cross from Kerkez. The 2-0 advantage put City under serious pressure and stunned fans across the league.
Late Comeback Falls Short for City
Determined not to go down without a fight, City began pushing harder, and they found a glimmer of hope when Josko Gvardiol delivered a powerful header off an Ilkay Gundogan cross in the 82nd minute. The goal injected some life into the champions, and they kept pressing for an equalizer.
The game’s most intense moment came deep into stoppage time, with a golden chance for star striker Erling Haaland to salvage a point. However, Haaland’s shot, taken from point-blank range, struck the post, leaving City fans in disbelief as the final whistle confirmed their defeat.
Impact on the League Table
This loss sees City drop two points behind Liverpool, who showed their own resilience by coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory against Brighton at Anfield. Despite City’s setback, the title race remains tight, as another rival, Arsenal, also faltered with a narrow 1-0 loss to Newcastle.
City’s defeat may mark a turning point in the season, as they now face the challenge of regaining momentum while contending with key injuries. Liverpool’s rise to the top has intensified competition, setting the stage for an exciting battle for Premier League supremacy.
