Kevin De Bruyne’s final Manchester City home game ended in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth after Omar Marmoush’s late entry for goal of the season put City on their way to a critical three points in the fight for Champions League places.
All the focus had been on De Bruyne as the 33-year-old made his 142nd and final appearance at the Etihad Stadium but it was Marmoush who stole the spotlight in the 14th minute with a stunning shot which swerved and dipped before going in off the post.
After De Bruyne somehow hit the crossbar in front of an open goal and Evanilson hit the post at the other end, Bernardo Silva doubled City’s lead before half-time. Nico Gonzalez got a third in the 89th minute before Daniel Jebbison’s consolation.
A mad few minutes in the second half saw both sides reduced to 10. First Mateo Kovacic went for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity when he pulled back Evanilson in the 67th minute – forcing Pep Guardiola to end De Bruyne’s final home appearance early.
Six minutes later, Lewis Cook followed for an ugly challenge on his replacement Gonzalez.
Bouncing back from Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, City moved up to third in the table and a point at Fulham on Sunday should be enough for a top-five finish, but Bournemouth saw their hopes of clinching a European place come to an end.
Marmoush’s strike was a thing of beauty. The Egyptian was allowed too much space in the middle of the pitch and took full advantage with a 25-yarder that flew into the top corner beyond the despairing reach of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The goalkeeper would have had no chance again had De Bruyne got his angles right in the 25th minute. Marmoush squared it from the left but the Belgian, signing off at the Etihad after 10 trophy-laden seasons, somehow turned it onto the underside of the bar with the goal gaping.
City then had a let-off of their own as Evanilson stretched to meet Marcus Tavernier’s first-time cross but saw his bouncing shot come back off the post.
Instead, City doubled their lead five minutes later. Ilkay Gundogan managed to spin his way into the box and then pull the ball back for Silva to prod in at the near post.
Bournemouth had made a stronger start to the second half, threatening when Antoine Semenyo flashed a shot narrowly over, before the red cards changed the game.
A dismal pass from Josko Gvardiol threatened to set Evanilson free and Kovacic’s tug was an obvious red. Guardiola reorganised and it was De Bruyne who made way to a huge ovation.But the numbers were soon level with Bournemouth skipper Lewis Cook going in two-footed on Gonzalez.
City fans were in party mood and there was another huge cheer with less than 10 minutes to go as Rodri replaced Erling Haaland, the Ballon d’Or winner making his first appearance since suffering anterior cruciate ligament injury in September.
It was the ‘mini-Rodri’, however, who struck City’s third in the 89th minute and they were grateful for the cushion as Jebbison punished a poor pass from Matheus Nunes at the death.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
