Man City vs Bournemouth: 5 Takeaways From A Tear-Stained Farewell

The Man City supporters who gathered last night at the Etihad Stadium were there to will their team to victory in a tie crucial to their Champions League ambitions. They were also there to bid farewell to one of their brightest stars. Man City vs Bournemouth would be Kevin De Bruyne’s last home game as a Cityzen. 

Many things have not gone Man City’s way this season, but the stars aligned to ensure KDB enjoyed a victorious sendoff. A few insights dawned on Total Apex Sports as the Sky Blues swept Bournemouth aside on an emotionally charged evening. 

Kevin De Bruyne Will Be Missed

There were smiles, cheers, and tears as “King Kev” took his final bow at the Etihad. It was a fitting culmination of 10 years of service that saw the Blues scale unimaginable heights, conquering England and Europe. De Bruyne’s 108 goals and 117 assists were a key factor in the six Premier League titles, one Champions League, and two FA Cup trophies City won in this period. 

Perhaps the occasion got to him yesterday. His display can’t be said to be vintage De Bruyne. His glaring miss from almost under the crossbar summed up a forgettable day in the office as far as his on-field contributions were concerned. Even then, it did not, and should not, take away from a brilliant Manchester City career, tragically blighted by injury toward the end.   

Will Man City struggle to replace KDB? Phil Foden was expected to rise to the occasion during the Belgian’s lengthy injury absence. This did not happen. He was on the bench, perhaps fuming inwardly when Guardiola sent Nico Gonzalez on in place of De Bruyne in the 69th minute. The ex-Porto midfielder certainly made a good impression, placing a clever finish past Kepa Arrizabalaga just before the end of regulation time. Is he now the heir apparent?  

The Omar Marmoush Show 

The night belonged to De Bruyne, but Omar Marmoush nearly stole the headlines, opening the scoring with a 14th-minute net-burster. Manchester City started the game at a frantic pace, and their visitors just couldn’t cope. This brought back shades of the winning machine Man City fans knew and loved before the epic October implosion. The Cherries would have been steamrolled were it not for Mateo Kovačić’s sending off.

Marmoush has added a refreshingly unpredictable dimension to City’s attack since his January arrival that neither Jack Grealish nor Jérémy Doku can provide. The Egyptian plays more narrowly than the two wingers and made a name for himself in Frankfurt, cutting in from the left to score. His speed, movement, and awareness still allow him to create goals for others. He would have done so yesterday had De Bruyne not left his shooting boots at home.     

Man City In Pole Position For Champions League Slot

Yesterday’s Man City vs Bournemouth triumph substantially increased the Cityzens’ chances of securing one of the three remaining Champions League slots. Those three points elevated them to third on the table, two above the other three contenders. 

Man City’s season closer is against Fulham at Craven Cottage, a potentially tricky fixture on paper. But even a draw would be enough to ensure they feature in Europe’s premier club competition. Though Crystal Palace proved City are still beatable, Guardiola’s men appeared to be back to their ruthless best at the Etihad last night. Rodri’s cameo in the waning minutes of the game will further galvanize the Cityzens into getting the job done in London.  

Rodri’s Back

He was only on the field for 14 minutes, but City fans were overjoyed with the star midfielder’s contributions to yesterday’s proceedings. His entry onto the pitch was greeted with a standing ovation. Rodrigo Hernández hasn’t kicked a ball since September last year when he damaged his ACL in a game against Arsenal. And, boy, has the Ballon d’Or winner been sorely missed. 

Last season, Manchester City was unbeaten in the 50 matches the Spaniard featured. It’s not an exaggeration to say the Sky Blues’ season would have turned out very differently had Rodri remained fit. His return will be a welcome boost as Guardiola looks to reassert City’s dominance in the coming season. 

Jack Grealish Out?

Yesterday’s Man City vs Bournemouth clash saw the City number 10 get a five-minute run-out. This season, Grealish has moved more and more to the periphery of Guardiola’s plans. It must have ground the English playmaker’s gears to watch as an unused sub as City lost the FA Cup final. He has only played 19 times this season, the majority of these being substitute appearances. 

The arrivals of wingers Savinho, Doku, and the red-hot Marmoush appear to have sealed the 100 million pound man’s fate. At 29 years of age, he can’t afford another season of inconsequential cameos if he aspires to feature in England coach Thomas Tuchel’s plans. And if he aspires to deliver on the potential symbolized by his hefty transfer fee. But Grealish will find his transfer options limited with clubs phasing out traditional playmakers who play the game at their own pace.