Manchester City 3-1 AFC Bournemouth
Premier League | Etihad Stadium | 20 May 2025 (KO 20:00 BST)
Marmoush rockets City in front
City seized the initiative on 14 minutes when January arrival Omar Marmoush unleashed a ferocious 30-yard strike that arrowed into the top-left corner past Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Egyptian’s fourth league goal in as many outings electrified a crowd already primed to celebrate De Bruyne’s decade of service. Moments later the Belgian ought to have doubled the advantage when Marmoush squared an open net opportunity, but the bar proved an unlikely opponent and the score remained 1-0.
Farewell but far from idle for De Bruyne
Every De Bruyne touch was greeted by thunderous applause, and there was hardly a dry eye when the midfielder was substituted in the 69th minute to a standing ovation. Before his exit he had pulled the strings with trademark precision and clipped a teasing free-kick that led to City’s second: Bernardo Silva ghosted in on 38 minutes, cushioning İlkay Gündoğan’s cute pass before slotting beyond Kepa for 2-0.
Red cards reshape the contest
The evening briefly threatened to turn when City were reduced to ten men on 67 minutes. Mateo Kovačić, the last defender, was adjudged to have hauled down Evanilson and received a straight red. Six minutes later parity in numbers was restored as Bournemouth skipper Lewis Cook lunged rashly at Nico González for his own dismissal. Those flashpoints did little to blunt City’s rhythm.
González strikes; Jebbison replies
With Cook’s departure still being digested, substitute Nico González made certain of the points. The Argentine attacked a loose ball in the 89th minute, rifling a low finish into the far corner for his maiden Premier League goal. Bournemouth teenager Daniel Jebbison did find the net deep into added time to deny Ederson a clean sheet, but the late consolation scarcely altered the narrative of City dominance.
Table, stats and tactical notes
- Possession: Man City 64 % – 36 % Bournemouth
- Shots (on target): 18 (9) – 10 (3)
- Expected Goals (xG): 2.7 – 0.9
- Cards: 1 red, 2 yellow – 1 red, 3 yellow
- Pass accuracy: 91 % – 79 %
The return of midfield anchor Rodri after six weeks out added welcome balance in the closing stages, allowing City to revert to a 4-2-3-0 shape once Haaland was withdrawn. Bournemouth’s switch to a back three following Cook’s dismissal freed Marcus Tavernier on the flank, yet their crossings rarely troubled Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
“It is a sad day because no one can replace Kevin,” Guardiola admitted post-match. “But there was no better way to honour him than with three points and that atmosphere.”
What it means
City’s triumph pushes them to 68 points, two clear of Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa. A draw at Craven Cottage on the final day will mathematically secure Champions League football for an 15th successive season. Bournemouth remain 11th – creditable progress under Andoni Iraola – yet their European dream is over for this campaign.
The Etihad bid farewell to its modern maestro, but the race is not done. For De Bruyne, one last mission awaits in west London; for Bournemouth, pride and planning for 2025-26 begin now.
Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth: De Bruyne Bids Emotional Farewell at Etihad
Manchester, May 20, 2025: Manchester City defeated AFC Bournemouth 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium in a Premier League fixture filled with emotion, drama, and goals. This victory not only secured City’s top-four hopes but also gave a memorable farewell to legendary midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in his final home game.
Omar Marmoush opened the scoring with a thunderous long-range effort in the 14th minute. The January signing struck from nearly 30 yards out, sending the ball flying into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of any highlight reel and gave City the momentum early on.
City’s second goal came before halftime in the 38th minute when Bernardo Silva latched onto a clever pass from İlkay Gündoğan to calmly slot past the Bournemouth keeper. Bournemouth struggled to create meaningful chances in the first half as City dominated possession and dictated the tempo.
In the second half, tensions rose when Mateo Kovačić was sent off in the 67th minute for a last-man foul. Bournemouth’s hope of a comeback was short-lived, though, as Lewis Cook received a red card just minutes later after a reckless challenge on City’s Nico González.
González sealed the victory for City with a composed finish in the 89th minute, scoring his first Premier League goal. Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison pulled one back in injury time, but it was too little, too late for the visitors.
The night belonged to Kevin De Bruyne, who was substituted in the 69th minute to a standing ovation from over 52,000 fans. The Belgian maestro has been at the heart of City’s success for nearly a decade, and this performance – full of vision and class – was a fitting way to bow out at the Etihad.
What’s next? City’s win takes them to third place with 68 points, leaving them one draw away from securing Champions League football next season. Bournemouth remain mid-table, with their slim hopes of European qualification now officially over.