No Silva lining as Bournemouth edge towards the drop

Eddie Howe claimed he was “devastated” after a battling 2-1 defeat at Manchester City pushed his Bournemouth side closer to relegation.

The Cherries produced a spirited performance at the Etihad Stadium but fell short despite a late David Brooks goal in a rousing finish.

The result left the Cherries 18th in the Premier League, three points off safety and having played a game more than West Ham and Watford above them.

Howe said: “It is not about performance at this stage of the season because we want results but I can’t fault the lads for today.

“We were in it right to the end. The lads gave it everything right to the last kick. I’m just absolutely devastated to come away with nothing after putting so much into the game.”

After five years in the top flight, Howe’s side now need a dramatic change in fortunes to survive.

They host Southampton at the weekend before travelling to Everton for their final match.

Howe said: “We have to look for two wins. We can’t prepare any other way. We go next game, Southampton, and try to win it. We’ll be looking to match and better the performance we gave here.”

Ultimately City had the quality when it really mattered with David Silva’s sixth-minute freekick and a fine strike from Gabriel Jesus six minutes before half-time proving decisive.

Silva, a day after the 10th anniversary of his signing for City, was particularly impressive. The Spaniard, 34, is leaving the club at the end of the season and appears determined to end on a high.

Manager Pep Guardiola said: “He’s been in incredible top form since we came back from the lockdown.

“He played another exceptional game and scored again, two times in a row a fantastic goal.”

Devastated: Eddie Howe