Bournemouth claimed a famous victory over Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, clinging on for a tense victory against the Premier League champions.
The Cherries had never beaten City since their promotion to the top flight in 2015 and, with Guardiola’s men four times back-to-back Premier League champions, a mighty task was ahead for the hosts at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth would launch into a shock lead early on, with the in-form Antoine Semenyo putting the hosts ahead after just nine minutes.
They were in dreamland shortly after the hour, as Evanilson put them 2-0 up and left Guardiola’s charges with a major headache on the south coast.
It was a nervy finish for Bournemouth after Josko Gvardiol pulled one back with just eight minutes to play – and Irish goalkeeper Mark Travers came in clutch with a sensational injury-time save from Erling Haaland to see his side over the line.
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Mark Travers helps Bournemouth to famous win over Manchester City
Given Manchester City’s penchant for grinding out results, Bournemouth fans would have feared the worst when six minutes of added time were announced in the Vitality Stadium.
In the 93rd minute, they survived a massive scare, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Ireland’s Mark Travers.
A cross to the edge of the six-yard box found the hitherto unstoppable Erling Haaland, who seemed destined to head home.
Amazingly, his header was kept out with a spectacular dive from Travers, who darted across the goal made his body big to fend off the Norwegian’s effort. Even more impressive was the fact that Haaland’s header bounced before reaching Travers.
Haaland could not convert the rebound, and Bournemouth cleared their lines to cling on for a dramatic victory.
It was the third save of the day on a mega day for the Irish shot-stopper.
Bournemouth would cling on for the final three minutes to claim their first-ever Premier League win over City.
Mark Travers was a huge factor in their win once again, as he was in the draw away to Aston Villa last weekend. After that result, his manager Andoni Iraola had praised the Irishman, saying he had “kept” Bournemouth in the game against the Champions League side.
After today’s game, Iraola repeated his praise for how his team defended.
Having been brought into the team due to an injury to first-choice ‘keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mark Travers has certainly made an impression in recent weeks.
Alhough Caoimhín Kelleher has a strong grip on the Ireland #1 jersey, Travers has more than made his case to be considered ahead of the upcoming Nations League games against Finland and England.
With Arsenal having slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle earlier in the day, this was a major missed opportunity for Manchester City to put breathing space between themselves and the Gunners at the top of the table.
As things turned out, Liverpool would concurrently come from 1-0 down to win 2-1 against Brighton. The day’s results now see Liverpool two points clear of City at the top of the table.
A memorable day and massive result for Bournemouth, who have already beaten Arsenal this season.