Manchester City suffered their first defeat of the 2024/2025 Premier League season by losing 2-1 to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
Strikes from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson meant Josko Gvardiol’s headed goal was deemed too little, too late for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Manchester City failed to take advantage of Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, Liverpool beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 to leapfrog City as the new league leaders with a two-point gap over them as well.
Here’s how the players were rated after their disappointing result against Bournemouth.
Ederson- 8
Ederson Moraes saved Manchester City’s blushes on a number of instances by demonstrating his incredibly shotstopping ability.
If not for the Brazilian’s heroics in between the sticks, Bournemouth could well have won the game by more than three goals.
Kyle Walker- 3
A surprising start for Kyle Walker after returning from injury was capitalised on by Semenyo, who gave him a hellish time. The Ghanaian international physically bullied Walker, who continues to be a weak link in this City side nowadays.
In possession as well, the £50 million man was sloppy.
Manuel Akanji- 5/10
Much like Walker, Manuel Akanji being named in the starting XI after picking up a knock ahead of Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham was a shock.
The Swiss international did not look fully fit and was far from his dominant self up against the Cherries’ quick and physically imposing frontline.
Nathan Ake- 4.5
Nathan Ake was especially sloppy on the ball in the first half and similarly to Akanji, he failed to impose himself on proceedings.
Josko Gvardiol- 6.5
Gvardiol was one of the few City players who put in a commendable display, leaping like a salmon to score an incredible headed goal and winning his challenges for the most part.
The Croatian could well be Manchester City’s most in-form performer this campaign.
Mateo Kovacic- 5
Mateo Kovacic found it tough to keep Bournemouth quiet in transition, as their speed and directness seemed far too much for him.
Rodri continues to be missed by Pep Guardiola’s men as Kovacic seems to struggle in such high-intensity games.
Ilkay Gundogan- 4.5
While Ilkay Gundogan assisted Gvardiol’s consolation goal, his all-round display was anonymous for the most part.
The German did not offer much both defensively or going forward and he could well lose his place in the starting line-up with such lifeless showings.
Bernardo Silva- 6
Bernardo Silva was Manchester City’s brightest player in the first half, as he did his best to dictate the game from deeper areas and dribbling past players in midfield and out wide.
Once asked to play as a right-winger in the second half, the Portuguese international faded as a whole.
Phil Foden- 6.5
Foden was unlucky not to score in the final seconds of the clash and he was one of Manchester City’s few bright players on the day. The Englishman looked much livelier when asked to play in midfield as opposed to staying out wide in the first half as he combined with his teammates well, showcased his quick feet and remained a threat.
Foden will be looking to step up his game even further in the Sky Blues’ forthcoming fixtures.
Erling Haaland- 5
Erling Haaland was not helped by his Manchester City teammates against Bournemouth, who barely created any chances for him. However, in the dying embers of the encounter, Haaland should have scored the equaliser, even though he was stretching to divert the ball into the back of the net.
Matheus Nunes- 6
Nunes, much like Foden was bright on the day and he did take on his man while also creating a few chances.
The former Wolves midfielder was not as impactful as in recent outings but his showings out wide remain encouraging.
Substitutes
Rico Lewis- 5.5
Lively but did not have enough time to impact the game.
Jeremy Doku- 6.5
Tested the goalkeeper and looked extremely sharp from the get-go. Jeremy Doku seemed fully fit despite just returning from injury and his cameo was very impressive.
