Manchester City began their defence of their Premier League crown in assured fashion last weekend with a comfortable 0-2 away win against West Ham.
On his English top-flight debut for his new club, Erling Haaland did not disappoint, as he came up trumps with a clinical brace at the London Stadium.
The Norwegian international lived up to all pre-match expectations, linking well with his new teammates and delivering when it mattered most.
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However, a very different challenge now presents Pep Guardiola’s side, as they take on a Bournemouth side brimming with confidence as they come in to this one off the back of a 2-0 triumph against Aston Villa on the opening weekend.
With Scott Parker’s side seemingly eager to continue their dream start to the Premier League season, the Sky Blues could potentially be met with a banana skin on Saturday afternoon.
However, there is a likelihood that we may see the first side to come to the Etihad Stadium this season and defend in numbers, which could test Manchester City's attacking capabilities to the very maximum.
As one waits to find out whether it is business as usual or an incredible upset, here are the interesting statistics worth taking a peek at!
Manchester City
- Erling Haaland became only the second player to score a brace on his Premier League debut, after Sergio Agüero for Manchester City in 2011.
- Joao Cancelo has played the most passes out of any player in the 2022/23 Premier League season so far (111).
- Rodri recorded a 100% rate in terms of long ball accuracy, ground duels won and take on-success against West Ham.
- Erling Haaland has now scored 132 goals in his last 132 appearances in all competitions.
AFC Bournemouth
- Mark Travers is one of only five goalkeepers to have kept a clean sheet in the Premier League so far.
- Chris Mepham has made the most clearances out of any player in the English top-flight after the first round of fixtures (13).
- Chris Mepham has made the most headed clearances out of any player in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign (8).
- The Cherries are the only promoted team that won their first game of the season.
Previous Meetings
- Both clubs have faced each other 17 times in total; with Manchester City winning 15, two games ending in draws, and AFC Bournemouth winning none.
- Pep Guardiola has won seven out of his seven games in total against the Cherries in all competitions.
- The last time these two sides met was in the Carabao Cup in September 2020, as the Sky Blues emerged 2-1 winners.
Potential Landmarks
- Ilkay Gundogan is one goal away from reaching his 50th for Manchester City.
- Kyle Walker is one clean sheet away from reaching 120 in the Premier League.
- Bernardo Silva is two goals away from scoring 50 for the Manchester City.
- Phil Foden needs one goal to reach 25 Premier League strikes for Manchester City.
- Bernardo Silva is just two goals away from registering 30 for Manchester City in the Premier League.
Topics: Manchester City, Bournemouth, Premier League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand