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On Saturday,25 February,11:30 PM Manchester City travelled down to the south coast to take on AFC Bournemouth in a highly anticipated Premier League fixture. As the reigning champions and one of the best teams in Europe, City were the overwhelming favourites to win, but Bournemouth had been in good form and were looking to cause an upset.
The game kicked off at 3 pm and the atmosphere was electric at the Vitality Stadium. The home fans were in good voice and were hoping to see their team take the game to City. However, it was the visitors who dominated the early exchanges, keeping possession well and creating a number of chances. Bournemouth were struggling to get a foothold in the game and were forced to defend deep in their own half.
City took the lead in the 16th minute, with a goal from Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese international received the ball on the edge of the box, cut inside and curled a shot into the top corner of the net. It was a superb finish and one that gave City a deserved lead.
Bournemouth responded well to going behind, and they started to play with more confidence and attacking intent. The home side had a great chance to equalize in the 24th minute when Callum Wilson was played through on goal, but his shot was saved by City goalkeeper Ederson.
The game was finely balanced as both teams battled for control of the midfield. City were still in control, but Bournemouth were starting to create some chances of their own. The home fans were getting behind their team and urging them on, and it seemed as though an equalizer was imminent.
That equalizer came in the 44th minute, with a goal from Callum Wilson. The Bournemouth striker latched onto a through ball from David Brooks and calmly slotted the ball past Ederson. It was a well-worked goal and one that gave the home fans something to cheer about as the teams went into the halftime break.
The second half started in much the same way as the first, with City dominating possession and creating chances. However, Bournemouth were defending well and looked dangerous on the counter-attack. The home side had a great chance to take the lead in the 62nd minute when Wilson was played through on goal again, but his shot went narrowly wide.
City were starting to look frustrated as the game wore on. They had plenty of possession but were struggling to break down the Bournemouth defense. The home side were holding firm and looked like they might be able to hold on for a draw.
However, in the 79th minute, City took the lead again, with a goal from Raheem Sterling. The England international received the ball on the left-hand side of the box, cut inside and fired a shot into the bottom corner of the net. It was another fantastic goal and one that looked like it might secure the win for City.
Bournemouth refused to give up, and they kept pushing forward in search of an equalizer. They came close in the 84th minute when Nathan Ake headed a corner just over the bar. The home fans were getting behind their team, and the noise inside the stadium was deafening.
In the end, City held on for a 2-1 win, but it was a hard-fought victory. Bournemouth had put up a strong fight and had given City a real test. The visitors were made to work hard for the win, but they showed their class in the end and secured another three points in their bid to retain the Premier League title.
Overall, it was an entertaining game of football, with both teams playing some attractive football at times. City were the better side on the day, but Bournemouth can take heart from their performance and the fact that they pushed one of the best teams
