This newest incarnation of Manchester City is 10 really good footballers and the other bloke who does things around the box that will decide more important games than this one.
No, not Erling Haaland. Kevin De Bruyne. Comfortably Europe’s best midfielder for a while now, City are creating an even better version. More goals than ever and, it seems, the major beneficiary of Haaland’s introduction into this astonishing team.
MATCH FACTS AND PLAYER RATINGS
MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3) Ederson, Walker (Lewis 820, Dias (Stones 64), Ake, Cancelo, De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan (Silva 65), Mahrez, Haaland (Alvarez 74), Foden (Grealish 45)
SUBS: Stones, Grealish, Alverez, Silva, Lewis
GOALS: Gundogan, De Bruyne, Foden, Lerma OG
AFC BOURNEMOUTH (3-4-2-1) Travers, Kelly, Lerma, Mepham, Stacey, Pearson, Cook (Billing 64), Smith, Christie (Stanislas 63), Travenier (Sensesi 80), Moore (Lowe 90)
SUBS: Lowe, Stanislas, Senesi, Billing
BOOKED: Mepham, Stacey and Mepham
REFEREE: David Coote
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De Bruyne is increasingly playing up alongside the striker as Pep Guardiola finds fresh ways to make sure his protagonist is as close to goal as possible, evidenced when sauntering to bend in the second of a cruise even more predictable than Scott Parker wearing a fitted grey cardigan during an uncomfortable heatwave.