"Always good to be on the score sheet, and even better to get a hatrick, but this game's gone now and we need to look forward to Tuesday."
, Raheem Sterling 17 October 2015.
No Aguero, no Silva, no Kompany ... no aggressive walking, but another goal laden game at the Etihad, as the stadium entertained its largest crowd yet of 54,502.
Given the criticism levelled at Sterling from certain quarters since he joined the Citizens, especially regarding his finishing, this was a two fingers performance, and a welcome confidence booster going into a week of crucial fixtures vs. Sevilla ECL (Wed) and the derby next weekend.
Sterling was full of running and alive to possibilities all game, linking well with Bony, having been deployed in a 4-4-1-1 just behind the Ivorian. The more attacking formation provided for an end to end flow to the game, but perhaps not the control required against sterner opposition. Indeed Bournemouth gave as good as they got for much of the opening and could have been awarded a penalty early on as Otamendi didn't see much of the ball with his ditch challenge on Gosling.
As each attack developed though, it was clear City had the slightly sharper edge, with De Bruyne in particular giving options all across the front line. The first goal came 8' in from the right with Zabaleta nodding on Fernandhino's pass before Bony knocked the ball forward for Sterling to pounce. Replays showed no offside, as the last line of Bournemouth defence had not yet crossed the by-line as Bony nudged the ball forward. Next it was Bony's turn to pounce in the box, on 12' a driven low cross from Sagna (playing left back in Kolorov's absence) was spilled by the Bournemouth keeper, Federici, and Bony was immediately on hand to score a much needed confidence booster.
Bournemouth were not here for the ride, however, and kept their shape and purpose throughout the first half. On 23' their perseverance paid off when Glen Murray latched on to a fine one touch pass from O'Kane to ricochet his shot off Mangala and past Joe Hart.
A major positive from the game as a whole was City's speed on the counter, and it was such vision and pace which allowed De Bruyne to release Sterling for City's third goal on 28', Sterling feigned not once but twice before rifling the ball home.
A major positive from the game as a whole was City's speed on the counter, and it was such vision and pace which allowed De Bruyne to release Sterling for City's third goal on 28', Sterling feigned not once but twice before rifling the ball home.
Bournemouth continued to press for a goal, and this was their undoing as deep into injury time Joe Hart again released the ball early for the lightning Navas to take first time only to delay his shot too long, as the ball came out the edge of the six yard box, however, Sterling was again in the right place to fire home through the keeper's legs 4-1.
The second half was a much more subdued affair. Yaya was replaced in the break by Fernando, presumably in light of the fixtures to come, and Fernando's presence added the control missing from the first half but also signalled a stepping off the gas from City's attack. Nasri replaced De Bruyne, and finally Sterling made way for Iheanacho, leaving the pitch to a much deserved standing ovation and a chorus of "...he's top of the league".
Bony finally finished off Bournemouth with a minute to go, using his strength to turn on a Navas cross before driving the ball into the far corner. It was the least his display deserved having being relentless in his work off the ball all game.
So a lot of pundits questions answered as to whether City can score goals without Silva and Aguero. Sterner tests lie around the corner but confidence should be high as City welcome Sevilla on Wednesday.
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