Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth: Rodri returns as De Bruyne makes final Etihad appearance

Manchester City are in prime position to qualify for the Champions League after a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday lifted them to third in the Premier League.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men at the Etihad Stadium, where Kevin De Bruyne made his final home appearance for City and Rodri made his long-awaited return from injury.

Omar Marmoush’s stunner gave Pep Guardiola’s side an early lead before De Bruyne squandered a golden chance, striking the crossbar from five yards out with the goal gaping.

Bernardo Silva doubled City’s advantage before the break, though Mateo Kovacic’s second-half red card threatened to derail City, who will no doubt have been hurting from their FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace last time out.

Yet Lewis Cook’s challenge on Nico Gonzalez saw Bournemouth’s numerical advantage cancelled out.

Nico subsequently made it 3-0, following Rodri’s comeback from the bench, before Daniel Jebbison grabbed a consolation for the Cherries in stoppage time.

City now know a win against Fulham on Sunday would guarantee their place in the Champions League for next season, though a draw should be enough, given they have a much superior goal difference compared to Aston Villa, who are two points back in sixth.

846 – Since Opta have the metric on record (2003-04), no player has created more chances for their teammates in the Premier League than Kevin De Bruyne. Maestro. #MCIBOU pic.twitter.com/1MYEsFOWvT

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 20, 2025

Data Debrief: De Bruyne bows out

While De Bruyne’s final City appearance could come on Sunday, he got his chance to say goodbye, and though his glaring chance will surely haunt him, he was especially influential as the hosts started well.

De Bruyne created two chances, taking his overall total in the Premier League to 846. Since Opta have this metric on record (2003-04), no player has created more (Cesc Fabregas also ed 846).

Marmoush stole the show with his opener, which ended City’s run of 54 shots without a goal in all competitions, since De Bruyne’s strike against Wolves earlier this month.

It was a job well done for City, who rounded out with 1.6 expected goals from 12 attempts, while Bournemouth – who hit the post through Evanilson in the first half – were limited to 1.06 xG.