**Bournemouth**’s unbeaten run of eight games without defeat came to an end away to Manchester City; a fixture that the Cherries have only ever won one point in.
Goals from Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly consigned Bournemouth to defeat, despite a Tyler Adams equaliser.
In a tough game for **Andoni Iraola**’s men, Bournemouth struggled to gain the kind of control and attacking threat they created in previous games.
Nevertheless, it is only their second defeat all season in the Premier League and they still keep their top four spot, albeit two positions lower than when they began the game in second.
Player ratings
Djordje Petrovic - 6
Overall, he handled his duties well, showing confidence when coming off his line to clear or collect loose balls and relieve pressure on the defence.
The Serb produced two excellent saves, one to deny Haaland in the first half and another from **Rayan Cherki**’s free-kick before the break.
He could do little about any of the goals, with defensive errors exposing him repeatedly, but did his best to keep his side in the contest and the scoreline down.
Álex Jiménez - 5
The young full-back showed commitment throughout, producing several key tackles and blocks to halt **City**’s progress down the right.
His goal-line clearance from Nico O’Reilly stood out, though he was caught out of position for the third goal and found it difficult to contain Jeremy Doku, who dribbled past him four times.
He only won half his duels, enduring a long afternoon under constant pressure before being subbed.
Macos Senesi - 6
Senesi was constantly engaged, leading the match for defensive contributions with 14 and joint-top for recoveries on 10.
The Argentine made important interventions early on, though **City**’s third goal went through his legs in an unfortunate moment.
He often struggled to hold the high line with Bafode Diakité, yet his distribution remained composed, completing 12 passes into the final third, more than any other player.
Bafode Diakite - 4
Returning to the line-up, Diakité endured a tough game.
He lost Haaland twice for the opening two goals, first on the halfway line and then when the Norwegian ran behind him, though Adrien **Truffert**’s positioning played him onside.
He found it hard to deal with **Haaland**’s physicality and pace, particularly with the high defensive line leaving space in behind.
Adrien Truffert - 6
The Frenchman endured a testing afternoon on the left.
His positioning allowed Haaland to stay onside for City’s second goal but he battled well throughout against Bernardo Silva and Cherki, and later had to cope with the fresh threat of Savinho.
Going forward, his runs provided an outlet but the end product was often missing.
Overall, he won nine of his 15 duels, more than any teammate, reflecting his effort and commitment.
Tyler Adams - 6
Alert to capitalise on **Donnarumma**’s mistake from a corner, Adams reacted first to convert from close range.
The USA captain showed his usual energy in midfield, contesting half of his ground duels, as he tried to track **City**’s runners.
He used possession sensibly, finishing among **Bournemouth**’s best for passes into the opposition third with seven before being substituted.
Alex Scott - 5
Worked hard early on to keep Bournemouth competitive in midfield, breaking up play and attempting to regain control.
However, as City grew into the game, he struggled to impose himself and was often bypassed by quicker transitions.
Overall, he was reliable in his positioning but unable to influence the game.
Marcus Tavernier - 5
Tavernier drifted through much of the first half with limited involvement in central areas.
Shifted out to the right after Justin Kluivert’s introduction in the second half, he continued to find space and impact hard to come by, and had an unmemorable performance.
David Brooks - 5
The former City academy player produced a few promising crosses and forward passes but could not make his moments count when in areas of space.
Brooks tried to inject creativity down the flank yet found himself isolated and without service.
A quiet display all-in-all before being replaced.
Antoine Semenyo - 5
Bournemouth's starboy showed glimpses of intent with direct runs down the left but often forced to play backwards under pressure.
He improved slightly after the break, sending in a few teasing crosses, but lacked the final touch or space to threaten consistently.
His work rate was evident but was contained for most of the afternoon.
Junior Kroupi - 5
Inside the first minute Kroupi had the ball in the back of the net but he ended up running early and was rightly given offside.
He pressed well and linked play intelligently at times, though struggled to make inroads against the Citizens' experienced back line.
Overall, he registered a few half-chances but found openings hard to come by in a testing outing.
Substitutes
Evanilson - 4
The Brazilian offered little after replacing Kroupi on the hour mark and was unable to hold the ball up or threaten in behind.
Justin Kluivert - 4
Iraola put him on for Brooks on 60 minutes and picked up a yellow card for blocking **Donnarumma**’s drop kick, which was probably his biggest impact in half an hour.
Lewis Cook - 5
The experienced midfielder came on for Jiménez following his knock and helped Bournemouth push higher in possession.
He ended up being of the team’s most progressive passers into the final third, showing composure and intent despite the situation.
Ryan Christie - 5
Christie added energy in midfield after coming on but could not influence the tempo or alter the pattern of the game.
Ben Ganon-Doak - N/A
Came on too late to affect play.