Manchester City 4-0 Bournemouth: De Bruyne leads champions to easy win

Kevin De Bruyne pulled the strings for Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday as he guided the champions to a 4-0 win over Bournemouth.

The Belgium international scored one goal and set up another as Pep Guardiola's hosts delivered an imperious performance at the Etihad Stadium in their first home game of the season.

Phil Foden matched the playmaker's involvement with a double contribution from his side, while Ilkay Gundogan also got in on the act against an overmatched Cherries side, who helped City with a goal against their own. camp to complete the score.

Scott Parker's men regained their first season in the top flight with a winning start against Aston Villa last weekend, but it was a significant step forward.

A relentless start from City forced goalkeeper Mark Travers into a series of close-range saves, but Gundogan broke through when he played a superb one-two with Erling Haaland to cut into the box and fire a low finish at home.

De Bruyne doubled the home side's lead just after the half-hour mark, battling the Bournemouth defense before fashioning a fine effort from the outside of his boot into the far corner.< /p>

And two quickly became three when Foden's shot dodged Travers after some neat work down the left from De Bruyne.

The half-time whistle gave the visitors a well-deserved respite, but they continued to struggle to rein in the power of City, who dominated possession throughout.

In scorching conditions Guardiola's men put on a quieter display after the break, although a fourth goal eventually followed when the irrepressible Joao Cancelo saw a square ball deflected into the net by Jefferson Lerma.

What does this mean? Champions too hot for cherries

Two games and two wins: City's title defense is up and running with few problems.

A freer second half might have been anticipated after the first 45 minutes, but Guardiola would have been pleased regardless as his side remained in control of the game, limiting Bournemouth to just three shots throughout.

De Bruyne back in charge

Few players can command a game like De Bruyne, and instead of an explosive leading performance from Haaland, his measured control dominated.

He created four chances - more than any other player - including a fine ball for Foden's goal, and the midfielder also found the back of the net.

More misery from Parker against City

It was a trying afternoon for Bournemouth in Manchester, and one that further compounded Parker's training struggles against the champions.

It was his fifth meeting with them in the dugout and his fifth loss, having scored 15 goals combined in those matches. Against no other team has he overseen so many games without winning, suffering so many defeats or conceding so many goals.

What's next?

City hit the road with a trip to Newcastle United on August 21, while Bournemouth host Arsenal a day earlier.