David Silva put in a sublime performance in his penultimate Premier League match at the Etihad as Man City edged past a spirited Bournemouth side in a 2-1 victory.
Silva gave the hosts the lead after just six minutes in typically brilliant fashion, hitting an inch-perfect free-kick past a hapless Aaron Ramsdale in goal.
The playmaker, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will surely go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever Spaniards.
Bournemouth responded brilliantly and came inches away from equalising moments later when Ederson produced an stunning save to deny Junior Stanislas’ free-kick.
But despite some brilliant pressure, Eddie Howe’s men were cruelly punished prior to half-time, with Silva once again producing a moment of magic for Gabriel Jesus to seal a two-goal cushion ahead of the interval.
The 34-year-old thread an exquisite pass to the Brazilian striker, who jinked his way past two Cherries defenders before firing into the bottom corner.
Bournemouth once again grew into the game following the break and were desperately unfortunate not to find an equaliser on the hour mark, with Josh King’s tap in from close range rightly ruled out by the barest of margins for offside.
City were awarded a penalty late on after Steve Cook appeared to bring down Jesus in the area but VAR once again took a look and the decision was overturned.
David Brooks scored a late consolation for the visitors, but it was ultimately too little, too late for Howe’s men, who now look destined for the Championship.
The south coast club remain three points adrift of Watford and West Ham, but have played a match more following the defeat at the Etihad.
