Erling Haaland once again proved unstoppable as his brace guided Manchester City to a 3–1 win over Bournemouth, moving Pep Guardiola’s side up to second in the Premier League.
The Norwegian striker struck twice in the first half, exploiting Bournemouth’s high defensive line to take his season tally to 13 league goals and 25 in all competitions. After the hosts had briefly equalised through Tyler Adams, Haaland restored City’s lead before Nico O’Reilly sealed victory after the break with his first Premier League goal.
City dominated much of the match, with Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki orchestrating attacks behind Haaland. Bournemouth threatened on the counter, but Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Eli Junior Kroupi and Antoine Semenyo with key saves.
Guardiola substituted Haaland late on to a standing ovation, the striker joking afterwards that “a few fantasy football managers were probably unhappy.” The win marks City’s sixth league victory of the season, cutting the gap at the top and restoring confidence ahead of crucial clashes with Real Madrid and Manchester City’s title rivals.
