Pep Guardiola praised his Manchester City side for coming through a physical encounter against Bournemouth with flying colours. Sergio Aguero’s double and Raheem Sterling’s sixth goal of the season returned City to winning ways after Spurs had controversially ended their run of 15 successive league victories last week
Captain Silva, who was left writhing on the turf by Lerma’s challenge with the game at 2-1, contributed two assists on his 400th appearance for the club, while Brazil striker Jesus was absent because of a hamstring problem.
Guardiola praised his team for battling through a physical encounter on the south coast and their superior quality eventually came through to make it nine top-flight wins from as many games against Eddie Howe’s Cherries side. “We knew it, we felt it (the physicality), a nice three points and a big compliment to the players, a few things to improve, that’s good it’s happened when we are winning games,” he said. “The quality of our players in front made the difference and we won the game.”
After Aguero’s opener and Sterling’s 11th goal in 10 appearances against Bournemouth, substitute Harry Wilson gave the hosts hope by making it 2-1 with a stunning 25-yard free-kick in first-half stoppage time.
The Cherries had numerous other chances, with Adam Smith and Callum Wilson among those thwarted by Ederson, before Aguero made the points safe.
The game was not without further VAR controversy though and Guardiola implied City will struggle to retain the Premier League title if decisions continue to go against them.
City were denied what looked to be a certain second-half penalty when Silva had his foot stood on by Lerma.
A review of the incident took place but the outcome surprisingly backed the original decision of referee Andre Marriner.
City were last week left frustrated during a 2-2 draw with Tottenham when a last-gasp goal from Gabriel Jesus was disallowed by VAR due to a contentious handball against Aymeric Laporte.
Guardiola appeared exasperated with the use of the technology and, when asked if his side deserved a spot-kick, replied in an sardonic manner: “No, no, no. Penalty? No. It was clear hands last game, clear hands. A penalty today? No, please. “The challenge this season will be amazing for us after winning back-to-back two titles, the challenge will be great.”
Questioned about the information he had received at VAR briefings, he responded: “Ask to the VAR people, please. Don’t ask to me.”
