MAN CITY BOURNEMOUTH RAHEEM IS A WORLD APART ‘His slalom run changed game’
RAHEEM STERLING endorsed his world-class status as Manchester City opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table.
In the absence of Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva – a late sub – Sterling took the role of City’s star man and inspired them to a win that could prove huge in the context of the title race.
The England man has been in sublime form this season and continued his heroics by hauling the champions to a hard-fought win, one which reminded the chasing pack just what they are up against.
With his ninth goal of the season, Sterling became the first player in Premier League history to score in his first six appearances for a club against a single opponent, finding the net in all of his games for City against Bournemouth.
With two goals against the Cherries for former side Liverpool , Sterling has plundered a total of 10 in seven games against them. Eddie Howe and his players must be sick of the sight of him.
City had to dig deep to see off obdurate Bournemouth, the visitors deserving huge credit for their refusal to roll over, as so many have done against Pep Guardiola’s formidable outfit.
The City boss said: “In the first half Raheem was not there, then he made that slalom run and changed the game, like Leroy Sane. I don’t know what he ate, but maybe it will be on the menu for everyone because he changed the game.
“What we have done in the Premier League after 13, 14, 15 games is incredible and it means a lot.
“I made five changes today because of the doctors, the physio, instinct, what I see. Everyone has to be involved. You don’t just play 13 players.”
Bournemouth came to the Etihad Stadium more in hope than expectation, having lost all six of their previous Premier League meetings with City, conceding 21 goals in the process and scoring just two.
Predictably enough, City dominated from the start. The opener duly came in the 16th minute, courtesy of Bernardo Silva’s sixth goal of the season.
A long ball over the top from Oleksandr Zinchenko, intended for winger Sane – who like Sterling was in irresistible form throughout – was met by the advancing Asmir Begovic.
But Begovic was unable to keep hold of the ball, with Silva reacting quickest to steer an unstoppable shot into the net. The visitors finally called keeper Ederson into action in the 38th minute, as he tipped away a Callum Wilson effort from a Josh King cross.
Bournemouth took heart ■ Manchester City have won all seven of their Premier League matches against Bournemouth, scoring 24 goals and conceding only three. from that chance and levelled in the lead-up to half-time.
Captain Simon Francis crossed for Wilson to head in his ninth goal of the season.
City’s fans began to get restless with their side’s inability to put daylight between themselves and their opponents, with Guardiola’s men reacting by picking up the pace after the break.
Sterling took the initiative and embarked on a dazzling solo run in the 54th minute, beating five players before watching his deflected shot bounce back off a post.
But he was not to be denied when, two minutes later, Begovic was unable to keep hold of Danilo’s low drive and the England star sent the ball high into the net.
City sealed the win with 10 minutes left, David Silva slotting the ball in to Sane, who found Ilkay Gundogan to finish from close range.
Howe said: “We believed beforehand and definitely did at half-time. We had a good spell p before the break when w we scored, and the plan pl was going the way we w wanted.
“Credit to the players for fo sticking at what we wanted w to do. It’s the closest c we’ve come here, but b the best we have performed. p
“We have still not fully d delivered a performance w we are capable of.
“We had good m moments on the countera attack and a lot of setp piece opportunities, w which we’re good at.
“A couple of things just w went against us.” ■ Bournemouth have yet to beat City in the league. In 13 meetings, they have drawn twice and lost 11.
■ City are now unbeaten in 20 Premier