Erling Haaland recovers! Striker scores historic goal to help Man City past Bournemouth

• Man City went on to win 4-1
• Haaland scored the 27th of the season
• He kept pace in the title race

TELL ME MORE: Manchester City kept up the pressure on league leaders Arsenal with a comfortable 4-1 win at Bournemouth on Saturday. City were sailing through much of the clash as the Cherries collapsed under the pressure of Guardiola’s usual combination of intense pressing and ruthless finishing. Despite showing intention to attack, the home team was disappointed by the defensive sloppiness, and the title hunters capitalized on it with goals from Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden and a deflected own goal from Chris Mepham.

THE MVP: it was about erling haaland. Not only did he break the record for goals by a Man City player in a single season (a record previously held by Sergio Aguero), but he stretched Bournemouth’s back-line all night and also contributed useful last-minute defending when The Cherries were shooting fixed pieces in the box. It was a fine display from a man who looks poised to win this season’s Premier League Golden Boot, and a fine recovery from a couple of atypical failures of late.

THE BIG LOSER: City’s third goal stunned Bournemouth, who were set to go into the half-time break just two goals down to make up. That goal was an absolute gift, like a deflected pass from the midfielder Felipe Billing he gave possession to Foden on the edge of the penalty area, with a clear run on goal. He took full advantage of Billing’s mistake, and the 26-year-old was substituted ahead of time, certainly not his best day.

MATCH IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHATS NEXT? Next, City face a trip to Bristol City in the fifth round of the FA Cup. With a big game against Champions League hunters Newcastle next Saturday, City are likely to rotate their talented squad for the cup game, although Guardiola still hopes to fight on multiple fronts throughout the season. Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s tough run continues with a super tough visit to Arsenal next weekend.

MATCH CLASSIFICATION (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐