Manchester City vs Bournemouth: Erling Haaland injury scare only setback in 6-1 victory for Pep Guardiola’s men | Football News – Times of India
The champions initially probed their opponents carefully for the opening half-hour before breaking the deadlock on the half-hour mark. Doku played a slick one-two with Rodri on the edge of the box and expertly guided the ball into the net.
Doku’s electrifying footwork was on full display as he set up Bernardo Silva for the second goal just three minutes later. In the 37th minute, a deflected shot by Doku found the net, with teammate Manuel Akanji getting the final touch.
Erling Haaland, who had previously hit the post with a first-half header, left the pitch injured at halftime and did not return for the second half. His absence was noted as Phil Foden took his place.
Bournemouth appeared to pull a goal back shortly after the break, but Dominic Solanke’s effort was disallowed following a VAR check, which found Ryan Christie to be offside in the build-up.
Doku continued to mesmerize the visiting defense and in the 64th minute, he set up Foden for a close-range finish, making it 4-1.
City defender Nathan Ake praised Doku’s exceptional performance, stating, “He’s so difficult to mark, and he’s going to be important this season.”
Despite a goal by Bournemouth’s Luis Sinisterra, Manchester City sealed the win with a superb chipped effort by Silva and a diving header by Ake. The result propelled City to the top of the Premier League with 27 points, one ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who are set to face Chelsea on Monday.
While the victory marked an impressive display of attacking prowess for Manchester City, the injury to Erling Haaland may raise concerns for the club as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures in the Premier League and beyond.
(With Reuters inputs)
