Manchester City Overcome Bournemouth to Reclaim Top 3 Spot

Manchester City climbed back into the Premier League top three with a nervy 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in their penultimate match of the season — but their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League is still hanging in the balance.

The Etihad clash was marked by two emotional storylines for the home side. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who has been sidelined with injury since September, made a return to the squad but remained on the bench. Meanwhile, Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne played what is widely expected to be his final home game for City, with his departure set for this summer.

For Bournemouth, Ukrainian international Illia Zabarnyi completed the full 90 minutes in defence, but couldn't prevent the Cherries from conceding three goals. The match turned scrappy at times, culminating in red cards for both sides, underlining the tension on the pitch.

City took control thanks to goals from Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva, and Nico González, while Daniel Jebbison pulled one back for Bournemouth late on — a mere consolation in an otherwise dominant display by the hosts.

2024-25, England - Premier League

Manchester City - Bournemouth 3:1 (2:0)
Goals: Marmoush, 14 (1:0); Bernardo Silva, 38 (2:0); Nico González, 89 (3:0); Jebbison, 90 (3:1)

Manchester City: Ederson; Dias R.; Gvardiol; Akanji; Kovacic M. (till 67); De Bruyne (Nico González, 69); Gundogan (Doku J., 90); Bernardo Silva (Grealish, 90); Matheus Nunes; Marmoush (Bobb, 90); Håland E.
Bench: Ortega S.; Ake; Rodri; Foden; O'Reilly
Yellow Cards: Ederson 67
Red cards: Kovacic M. 67'

Bournemouth: Arrizabalaga; Huijsen; Kerkez M. (Soler, 83); Araujo J. (Smith Adam, 69); Zabarnyi; Adams T.; Cook L. (till 73); Tavernier; Evanilson; Kluivert (Brooks, 46); Semenyo
Bench: Dennis W.; Senesi; Akinmboni; Winterburn; Jebbison; Silcott-Duberry
Yellow Cards: Huijsen 36; Araujo J. 44; Tavernier 88
Red cards: Cook L. 73'