Erling Haaland continued his ruthless form with a brace as Manchester City defeated Bournemouth 3-1 on Sunday, climbing to second place in the Premier League table.
Bournemouth came into the clash riding the longest unbeaten run in the Premier League this season, but they were no match for the Norwegian striker’s brilliance. Haaland’s two goals took his tally to 13 league goals in just 10 games, reaffirming his status as City’s biggest weapon in the title race.
The victory sees Pep Guardiola’s men cut Arsenal’s lead at the top to six points, while moving one point ahead of Liverpool, whom they face next weekend in a highly anticipated showdown.
Despite last week’s 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa, Guardiola’s confidence in his side’s title credentials remains firm — and Sunday’s performance backed that up.
Haaland Strikes Early
Bournemouth started brightly, pressing high and looking composed in possession. But their defensive gamble backfired in the 17th minute when Rayan Cherki flicked a header into space, allowing Haaland to burst through from his own half and fire past Djordje Petrovic with trademark composure.
The hosts, however, found a quick response. Eight minutes later, Tyler Adams pounced on a loose ball after City’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to claim a corner, smashing home the equalizer to make it 1-1.
City Regain Control
City’s pressure soon told again as Haaland capitalized on another brilliant Cherki through-ball, rounding Petrovic before slotting home for his 26th goal of the season across all competitions.
The 25-year-old also entered elite company, becoming only the third player in Premier League history — after Luis Suárez and Robbie Fowler — to score multiple goals in four consecutive home games.
O’Riley Seals the Win
City’s third came late in the game when Phil Foden set up Nico O’Riley, who surged from full-back and drilled a low shot into the far corner to seal the victory.
Haaland was substituted in the 82nd minute, missing the chance to complete his hat-trick, as Guardiola opted to rest him ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund — his former club.
While Guardiola has called for more attacking contributions beyond Haaland, the striker’s incredible form keeps City firmly in the hunt for another Premier League crown.
