First, many focused on the metronomic performance in the middle of the park from David Silva and the continued upward curve of Leroy Sane’s form.
FourFourTwo reported: “Silva, who remains an integral part of City’s midfield – their creative spark – and the Spain star was in prime form once more on England’s south coast.
“”He was amazing,” Guardiola told a post-match news conference. “In the last 15 or 20 minutes he monopolised the ball with Kevin [De Bruyne], with Fernandinho, with all the players.
“”We passed and passed and passed – it is the best way to avoid the opponents. You have the ball; there is just one ball. We have just to control the counter-attacks and it’s safer.
“If Silva provided the stability, it was Leroy Sane’s livewire wing play that brought box-office thrills to City’s third straight league win.
“Full-back Adam Smith endured a particularly torrid evening at the hands of the Germany youngster and, after watching Sane make a tentative start to life in the Premier League as his form and fitness failed him, Guardiola feels the close-season arrival from Schalke is like a new signing.
“”The people say in the winter transfer window one guy arrived with Gabriel Jesus. I think we had two arrive,” he said, before pointing towards the significance of Sane’s maiden City goal in the 2-1 December win over Arsenal.”
The Independent’s Jack Pitt-Brooke continued on the same theme: “Even without Gabriel City still cut through Bournemouth, creating enough chances to win the game by a distance. It was all orchestrated by David Silva, performing at his brilliant best, playing as well as he ever has done this season.
“He controlled the whole game, seeing space, moving into it, always two steps ahead of every Bournemouth opponent. He was roared off by the City fans at the end and grabbed in a hug by Pep Guardiola, clearly still at 31 playing as well as he ever has, which after his career is saying something.”
Sergio Aguero arrived early in the match following the injury to Gabriel Jesus and impressed Sky Sports’ reporters.
Peter Smith writes: “Aguero’s instinct for being in the right place at the right time remains as sharp as ever - and helped City grab the important second goal to wrap up the win.
“His dart to the near-post to meet Raheem Sterling‘s centre was perfectly timed and, although his flick went in off Tyrone Mings - and goes down as an own goal - it was a reminder of his threat.”
Finally, Pep Guardiola shared a moment with Bournemouth’s Harry Arter following the final whistle that was captured by the cameras and discussed in depth across social media.
As Joe.co.uk reported, Guardiola passed on his best wishes to Arter and his partner ahead of the birth of their child.
That’s all from today’s media round-up. Stick with mancity.com throughout the day for more reaction to City’s win at Bournemouth!
