Aguero's double helps Man City return to winning ways

Manchester City showed that last week's draw against Tottenham was a minor blip against a top team as they got three points this afternoon in a 1-3 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality. Sergio Aguero netted two while Sterling also got on the scoresheet. 

Bournemouth started the first six or seven minutes really well and De Bruyne was dispossessed after just 35 seconds by King, but he saw his shot saved. After that, City woke up and they won a couple of corners before they hit the front after 15 minutes. David Silva passed to a teammate and his ball into the box by De Bruyne, but it broke straight to Aguero to give City the lead and De Bruyne his 50th Premier League assist.

City then took control and goalie Ramsdale saved David Silva's volley after 20 minutes. Then, Daniels had to go off on a stretcher after 35 minutes when he planted his foot awkwardly and that seemed to knock City's concentration. Harry Wilson's cross was inexplicably chested down by Otamendi inside his own six yard box and Smith blazed it over.

The hosts let City off the hook and they were punished just a few minutes later. Bernardo Silva received a cross field pass on the near side, he passed to David Silva inside the D and the Spaniard fed Sterling who beat Ramsdale. It looked like City would then cruise to victory, but that was not the case. 

Bournemouth got back into the game in stoppage time of the first half after Harry Wilson hit a free-kick with his left foot straight into the top corner. Laporte gave away the set-piece and that set up an exciting second period. 

After the interval, it became end to end and Sterling, De Bruyne and co. all had good chances to put City 1-3 in front. Callum Wilson also had a great opportunity at the other end after being played in by Harry Wilson, but Ederson made a brilliant save. 

In the 62nd minute, there was VAR controversy after Jefferson Lerma seemed to clearly step on David Silva's right foot inside the area. Referee Andre Marriner gave no penalty on the pitch, but astonishingly, Kevin Friend did not correct his colleague. For the second consecutive week, Man City felt they were denied a clear spot kick. 

In the end it did not matter though as Aguero restored City's two goal lead a couple of minutes later to seal the win for Guardiola's side. Bournemouth lost the ball from a throw in courtesy of Zinchenko's header and Aguero finished after being given the ball by David Silva. 

The third goal knocked the stuffing out of Bournemouth and it was pretty much a non-event after that. City just kept possession without really looking for another goal and Bournemouth's crosses in were easily cleared. The closest they came was right at the end when Ederson had to deny Solanke after the ball fortuitously broke to him inside the box. 

The final whistle sounded to end a game which Man City won with ease. Guardiola's men are now on seven points, just two behind leaders Liverpool while Bournemouth remain on four. Eddie Howe's men tried their best, but they were outclassed by their opponents.