I know in the future I am going to lose games...

“We have played five games in the Premier League and three in the Champions League, and people are saying nice things.

“But we will not think it is easy because I am here. We know that it is September and we have won absolutely nothing.”

City beat Bournemouth 9- 1 on aggregate last season and it took De Bruyne just nine seconds to test Artur Boruc, even though it was the visitors who kicked-off.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe packed his midfield in a bid to frustrate City, but the Blues were irresistible and there was only going to be one outcome once the brilliant De Bruyne opened the scoring on 15 minutes.

Jack Wilshere, making his first start after moving to Bournemouth on loan a post. But in the 66th minute De Bruyne linked up with Nolito before springing Gundogan through the middle and the German’s finish was unerring.

City went back down through the gears and Bournemouth substitute Callum Wilson hit the bar before Harry Arter skidded a long-range drive wide.

But then Nolito clashed with Adam Smith on the touchline and brushed his forehead into the face of the Cherries defender.

Referee Jonathan Moss showed the Spaniard the red card, while Smith got away with a yellow despite sparking the confrontation by needlessly pushing the City man.

Howe took little comfort from the fact that Guardiola hailed Bournemouth as the best team he has faced in the Premier League so far.

He said: “It was a difficult day, but I look at the performance and I wasn’t happy. They pressed us, but we could have been much better with the ball.”