With Liverpool in Carabao Cup final action this weekend, it was an ideal opportunity for Pep Guardiola’s side to close the gap and they took full advantage of their game in hand thanks to Foden’s 16th goal of the season in all competitions.
The England international, who has now also scored in his past five appearances against Bournemouth, was at his brilliant best on the south coast and, after exquisitely setting up Erling Haaland for an early chance, was on hand to sweep home in the 24th minute after the Norwegian saw his initial effort parried by Neto.
Bournemouth had their moments against the treble winners. Andoni Iraola’s team should have equalised early in the second half, but Marcus Tavernier lacked composure on two occasions in quick succession while Dominic Solanke and new signing Enas Unal both went agonisingly close with headers.
But it was City and Guardiola’s night. The victory was their 13th in 14 games across all competitions and puts them on 59 points, one clear of third-placed Arsenal, who thrashed Newcastle at the Emirates later in the day.
