Premier League: Jeremy Doku dazzles but Erling Haaland’s injury scares Mars Manchester City’s six-goal match | Football news

Manchester City reached the top of the Premier League as Jeremy Doku’s dazzling performance inspired a 6-1 win over Bournemouth, but the champions’ rout was marred by Erling Haaland’s injury scare. Pep Guardiola’s side tore Bournemouth apart with three goals in seven minutes late in the first half at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Belgian winger Doku led the way by scoring the hat-trick opener before setting up Bernardo Silva for the second. Manuel Akanji deflected on Doku’s shot for City’s third goal and Phil Foden got the fourth back after the break on another assist from Doku.

Coached once again by Doku, Silva scored five points and Nathan Ake completed the demolition job for City.

However, Guardiola will be sweating over Haaland’s fitness after the Norwegian striker was sent off at half-time following a first-half knock.

“Twist his ankle. We didn’t want to take any risks with him because he didn’t feel comfortable,” Guardiola said.

Haaland’s availability is in doubt for City’s Champions League clash against Young Boys on Tuesday and their Premier League trip to Chelsea next weekend.

“He will be back maybe on Tuesday but maybe next Sunday. I hope it won’t be a big problem,” Guardiola said.

Hailing Doku, the City boss added: “He has settled in so quickly. It’s not just today, all the games he’s played have been really good. He’s an incredible threat.”

Since losing to rivals Arsenal in October, City have made it four successive wins in all competitions – including three in the league – to show their thirst for silverware remains strong following last season’s incredible haul.

“This team surprises me a lot. After 11 games we are close. At the top of the championship, in the Champions League, we did what we had to do,” Guardiola said.

“The way we train, the dedication and commitment, we have incredible captains leading us.”

Guardiola’s men have now won every home game in all competitions in 2023 and are one point ahead of Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou’s team will return to first place if they beat Chelsea on Monday.

Crawling city

Andoni, Bournemouth boss under fire Irola finally secured their first Premier League victory last weekend against Burnley.

But there was no chance of Bournemouth scoring a second game in a row as City laid siege to Bournemouth’s goal, with Silva shooting just over the edge of the area.

RodriAndrei Radu’s low shot from a similar distance forced a save and Haaland was inches away from scoring the opener when he headed towards the post Julien AlvarezIt’s a cross.

City’s dominance was finally rewarded in the 30th minute when Doku gained possession on the edge of the area and played a one-two with Rodri before curling a fine finish past Radu.

Guardiola’s men doubled the lead three minutes later thanks to Doku who became the passer.

Doku’s nimble footwork opened up the Bournemouth defense and Silva calmly converted his takedown from close range.

With the floodgates well and truly open, City continued the deluge of goals in the 37th minute.

Once again, Doku was the man at the center of the action with a low strike from 20 yards that deflected sharply off Akanji as it flew past Radu.

Foden, replacing Haaland, ensured City would not be unsettled by their striker’s departure as the England striker finished off Doku’s pass in the 64th minute.

Luis Sinisterra got one back for Bournemouth with a composed shot on the turn in the 74th minute.

But Silva curled home a superb long pass from Doku in the 83rd minute and Ake headed home five minutes later to cap City’s demolition.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)