Jeremy Doku stars as Manchester City thrash Bournemouth
Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku (second right) celebrates scoring their side’s third goal (Mike Egerton/PA)
Jeremy Doku produced a stunning performance as champions Manchester City overcame the loss of Erling Haaland to thrash Bournemouth 6-1 on Saturday.
Doku was the architect of an emphatic success, scoring their opener and having a hand in four other goals as City overpowered the Cherries in a one-sided Premier League clash.”
Bernardo Silva twice benefited from Doku’s work with a brace while Phil Foden, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake also got on the scoresheet at the Etihad Stadium.
Luis Sinisterra grabbed a Bournemouth consolation but the only real concern for City was an injury to Haaland, who hit the woodwork early on before hobbling off at half-time.
City, who are already without Kevin De Bruyne for a prolonged period, will hope the problem does not prove serious with games against Chelsea and Liverpool in the coming weeks.
On this occasion, City did not really need the Norway international.
The feelgood factor Bournemouth generated by winning their first league game of the season last week quickly evaporated as City eased through the gears.
It may have taken them 30 minutes to register their opening goal but, such was their dominance, the result rarely seemed in doubt.
Silva sent a dipping effort narrowly over the bar and Rodri shot straight at Andrei Radu.
Erling Haaland went off at half-time with a knock (Mike Egerton/PA)
Haaland went closer when he headed against the post and was then denied by a Lloyd Kelly block before Silva curled just wide.
It was no surprise when the hosts finally took the lead, Doku picking up possession on the edge of the box and playing a one-two with Rodri before curling a shot around
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