Haaland nets twice and O’ Reilly adds a third as City cruise to a confident home victory
Erling Haaland once again proved the difference for Manchester City as his two first-half goals helped secure a 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, moving Pep Guardiola’s side up to second in the Premier League table.
Just two days after Guardiola urged his squad to share the scoring burden, the Norwegian striker delivered another decisive display — taking his season tally to 13 league goals and a remarkable 98 in just 107 Premier League appearances.
Both goals came from classic Haaland runs in behind Bournemouth’s high defensive line. His first, midway through the opening half, came after a lightning counterattack that started deep in City’s half. Phil Foden combined with Rayan Cherki, whose clever header released Haaland beyond the defence. Adrien Truffert could not catch him, and the 25-year-old finished with trademark precision past goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic before celebrating with a robotic mime — a cheeky response to critics who call him “machine-like.”
Bournemouth briefly drew level when Tyler Adams pounced on a Gianluigi Donnarumma error from a corner, tapping in after the City keeper fumbled under pressure from David Brooks. City protested for a foul, but referee Anthony Taylor ruled the goal valid, deciding Donnarumma had not been illegally impeded.
If the equaliser unsettled City, Haaland quickly restored order. Just ten minutes later, Foden again found Cherki, who slipped Haaland through on the right. The striker cut across the goal and coolly rounded Petrovic for his second of the match and 26th goal in all competitions this season.
City’s dominance continued after the break, with the home side controlling possession and forcing Bournemouth deep. O’Reilly, making his 200th Premier League appearance, added a deserved third midway through the second half. The goal came from a fluid move involving Cherki and Foden, whose sharp one-two released O’Reilly down the left. He finished with composure, drilling low past Petrovic to seal the win.
Guardiola, who withdrew Haaland on 82 minutes to a standing ovation, praised his team’s focus and energy. “Without Erling, it would be tough,” he admitted. “But I’m happy with how the whole team reacted — the rhythm, the movement, the transitions — it was all very good.”
Haaland, meanwhile, kept the tone light when asked about his substitution. “I think there were a few fantasy football managers that were unhappy that I was subbed off,” he joked.
City’s sixth league win of the season lifts them to 19 points, six behind early leaders Arsenal. The result also extended Bournemouth’s miserable record at the Etihad — they remain winless in all Premier League meetings between the sides.
Despite the scoreline, Bournemouth had its moments. Antoine Semenyo tested Donnarumma with a fierce drive, and late on, Marcus Tavernier came within inches of reducing the deficit after another quick counterattack. Manager Andoni Iraola’s high-pressing tactics created occasional danger but left his defence exposed against Haaland’s explosive pace.
The Norwegian’s latest brace reinforced his reputation as the Premier League’s most lethal finisher. He now sits well clear in the race for the Golden Boot, and with City rediscovering their fluency in attack, Guardiola’s side appear poised to mount another serious title challenge.
For Bournemouth, the result marked a year to the day since their famous first-ever league win over City — but this time there was no repeat. Instead, it was a reminder of the gulf between Guardiola’s reigning champions and a side still searching for consistency.
As Haaland left the pitch to thunderous applause, the Etihad crowd knew they had once again witnessed something familiar: a masterclass in efficiency, power, and timing from the man who makes scoring look effortless.
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