Manchester City climbed to third in the Premier League table with a commanding 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes firmly intact.
The victory was not only a much-needed bounce back after their FA Cup final defeat but also served as an emotional send-off for Kevin De Bruyne, who played his final home game in City colours.
Despite enduring their first trophyless season under Pep Guardiola since 2016/17, the Cityzens showed no signs of letting up against mid-table Bournemouth. From the first whistle, the hosts pressed with intensity and urgency, clearly determined to finish the campaign on a high.
Their early pressure paid off in spectacular fashion. In the 12th minute, January signing Omar Marmoush marked another milestone in his debut Premier League season with a thunderbolt from 30 yards out that rocketed into the top corner. The Egyptian forward, who arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt, has quickly become a fan favourite at the Etihad, and his seventh league goal was undoubtedly one of the best yet.
Has to be goal of the season right?
Out of this world from @OmarMarmoush! ✨ pic.twitter.com/nRllxhZYuq
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
City were in control and nearly doubled their lead moments later when Marmoush turned provider. He skipped past two defenders and squared the ball to De Bruyne, who seemed destined to score in what was expected to be a farewell performance. But in a shocking twist, the Belgian struck the crossbar from close range, drawing collective gasps from the home crowd.
That miss nearly came back to haunt Guardiola’s side. Bournemouth launched a rare counterattack through Evanilson, who latched onto a lofted pass and fired a low shot past Ederson – only to see the ball rebound off the post. It was a let-off for City, who responded immediately.
Just before the interval, City extended their lead. Ilkay Gundogan cut inside from the left and delivered a clever cut-back to Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder, who has been a consistent performer all season, made no mistake, guiding his shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 at the break.
Bernardo makes it two! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/9eruR7pnJv
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
The visitors tried to rally after the restart. Bournemouth pushed higher up the pitch, hoping to find a breakthrough, but they lacked the final ball in dangerous areas. Antoine Semenyo fired wide when well placed, and Evanilson struggled to find space amid a disciplined City backline.
In the 67th minute, Bournemouth were handed a potential lifeline when Mateo Kovacic was shown a straight red card. The Croatian midfielder pulled down Evanilson as the last man, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. It was a moment that gave the visitors renewed hope.
However, that hope was short-lived. Just seven minutes later, Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook lunged into a reckless challenge on substitute Nico Gonzalez and received his marching orders as well. Both teams were now down to ten men, but the balance of power remained with City.
Rodri made his return from injury in the closing stages to help steady the ship, providing Guardiola with a much-needed midfield presence ahead of their final league outing. Gonzalez, who has impressed in his cameo appearances, took centre stage in the 88th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Cutting in from the left, the Spanish youngster curled a beautiful effort into the far corner, sparking wild celebrations from the home crowd.
What a finish from Nico! pic.twitter.com/qNPCIkxJ49
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
Bournemouth managed a late consolation when Daniel Jebbison pounced on a loose ball in stoppage time to slot past Ederson. But the outcome had long been settled. City saw out the final minutes with ease, securing their eighth consecutive Premier League home win against the Cherries.
While the victory boosts City’s hopes of finishing in the top three, the evening belonged to Kevin De Bruyne. Though he didn’t score, his leadership, vision, and elegance on the ball reminded fans of his immeasurable contribution to the club over the past nine years. As he waved to supporters at full-time, the applause was deafening. De Bruyne departs as a club legend — a player who has defined an era at the Etihad.
@KevinDeBruyne pic.twitter.com/yKNlbdFwev
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
The win also underscores Guardiola’s ability to rally his team even in a rare season without silverware. City have faced criticism following their FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, but this performance was a timely reminder of their strength and depth.
For Bournemouth, the loss extends their poor run at the Etihad, where they’ve now suffered eight straight defeats. Despite flashes of quality, defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge cost them dearly. Still, Andoni Iraola’s men remain safe from relegation and will be looking to regroup ahead of the final matchday.
Manchester City’s final league fixture could now prove pivotal. A third-place finish would ensure automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League group stage, giving the team a platform to rebuild and challenge once again for major trophies.
For now, though, City fans will savour this victory — a performance of pride, passion, and poignancy on a night when one of their greatest ever players said goodbye.
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