Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged that his team struggled to match Bournemouth’s intensity in their 2-1 defeat on Saturday.
The Premier League champions saw their impressive 32-game unbeaten streak in 2024 come to an end at the Vitality Stadium.
Antoine Semenyo put the hosts ahead, followed by a second goal from Evanilson, who tapped in to extend their lead.
Although Josko Gvardiol pulled one back for City, it was merely a consolation.
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Speaking to BBC after the game, Guardiola said: “We knew we couldn’t match the intensity. We have talked about it. It was an open game. We had chances at the end but I congratulate Bournemouth for the victory.
“The 50-50 balls in the middle, the duels, they play this type of game. They are so aggressive. They had six to seven days to prepare. They have physicality and speed, but you have to win these types of situations. And they had chances.
“Ederson made a good save. We had real good moments at the start of the second half and after that, it was difficult to swallow as we were good. After we scored we had momentum and chances but couldn’t score [again].
