Bournemouth 1-1 Man City: Pep Guardiola makes unwanted history as Cherries stalemate hands Arsenal the Premier League title
Bournemouth 1-1 Man City: Pep Guardiola makes unwanted history as Cherries stalemate hands Arsenal the Premier League title Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit a new unwanted milestone following Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The stalemate delivered one of the Premier League’s most memorable moments, but at Man City’s expense, as it officially handed Arsenal their first league title since 2004. The pressure was firmly on Man City before kick-off after reports of Guardiola’s end-of-season departure emerged, adding extra tension to an already huge occasion.
The visitors knew only a win would keep the title race alive heading into the final day, but Bournemouth once again showed why they have become one of the league’s toughest sides to beat. Man City started with the hunger of champions and came close to opening the scoring early on. Antoine Semenyo burst down the right wing before setting up Jeremy Doku, but goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic made a comfortable save.
Semenyo later thought he had scored against his former employers but was denied by the offside flag, while Evanilson spurned a decent chance from close range. Man City dominated possession, but the Cherries looked dangerous whenever they attacked. Erling Haaland forced a deflection wide after Rodri’s header created confusion inside the box, but it was the home side who eventually found the breakthrough.
The highly sought after El Kroupi Junior collected a pass from Adrien Truffert before curling a brilliant strike beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma to put Bournemouth ahead. The goal effectively moved Arsenal within touching distance of the title. Man City’s desperate attempt for a response left them wide open at the back, and Bournemouth exploited the spaces in-behind throughout the second half.
While Petrovic continued to keep Guardiola’s side at bay, Donnarumma also had his work cut out at the other end of the pitch as he denied Truffert from extending Bournemouth’s lead. Kroupi also wasted a big chance to secure a win after excellent build-up play involving Evanilson, while Rayan and David Brooks were denied by the woodwork late on. Man City finally found an equaliser in stoppage time through Haaland, whose angled shot bounced in off the post.