After Erling Haaland’s header hit the post against a Bournemouth side set very deep in their own half, City finally broke their deadlock on the half-hour mark through Jérémy Doku, who found the corner neatly after a perfect 1-2. Rodri for the finish that opened the floodgates.
Things quickly improved for the home side through Bernardo Silva who swept in a corner after a wonderful Dok and the Belgian then contributed to his third goal in the space of seven minutes moments later when his shot found the corner with the help of a deflection off Manuel Akanji who claimed it.
Dominic Solanke almost pulled one back for the Cherries straight after the restart but his strike was blocked and he was again frustrated shortly after when denied by the woodwork.
Doku then claimed his third assist of the afternoon with a fantastic pass to set up Phil Foden to make it 4-0 before Bournemouth finally scored the goal that earned Luis Sinisterra a consolation for their second-half efforts.
But City and Doku ensured they would have the last laugh as they added a fifth goal through Silva, with the summer signing once again providing four assists on the afternoon.
Man City Player Rating
Ederson (5/10): A spectator for most of the match, but was well beaten by Luis Sinisterra.
Kyle Walker (6/10): Pushed high to offer support on the wings and followed up well but it didn’t look good for Bournemouth’s goal.
Manuel Akanji (7/10): Lucky I got on the scoresheet as the ball just bounced off his back. He didn’t have much defending to do – he was more of a supporting presence further down the field.
John Stones (6/10): Perfect passing speed and good midfield backup.
Nathan Ake (7/10): His passing was sound, he made one or two good defensive saves and then headed a great six.
Rodri (7/10): Well tied things together acting as support for attack and key to building. He played a great number one with Doku for the opener.
Mateo Kovacic (5/10): Had a close range shot as the last kick of the ball and otherwise pretty quiet.
Julian Alvarez (7/10): He was all over the attack and set up Haaland well with a cross and then a through ball. Always smart on the ball in tight and dangerous areas.
Bernardo Silva (8/10): An excellent shot from outside went just wide, but he found space for the second goal and was of good quality.
Erling Haaland (4/10): Ruined one excellent chance as he was found in plenty of space but too many touches – summed up his day. Off at half time.
Jeremy Doku (10/10): What an amazing show! They made the quick burst they needed to open the scoring, fancy footwork for the second, crushed Akanji for the first, pulled Foden for number four and then a wonderful pass to Silva for number five. Stunning.
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