Phil Foden fired Manchester Metropolis to a 1-0 win in opposition to Bournemouth because the Premier League title chasers moved inside one level of leaders Liverpool on Saturday.
When Liverpool performed Chelsea within the League Cup last on Sunday, Metropolis took benefit to shut the hole of their match to Jurgen Klopp's aspect.
Foden scored within the first half at Dean Court docket and Metropolis survived a troublesome second half to win for the thirteenth time of their final 14 video games in all competitions.
Chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title, Pep Guardiola's males weren’t at their finest on the south coast however confirmed the willpower wanted to earn an important victory.
“Phil Foden is taking part in one of the best soccer I’ve seen from him. Everybody has contributed and I’m very completely happy,” mentioned Guardiola.
“I don't understand how for much longer we can be current in all competitions, however right here we’re. They’re supermen.”
Annoyed by Metropolis's lack of preparation time amid a busy schedule, Guardiola added: “That they had seven days to arrange for this recreation however we had three. There are groups that play with much less restoration than the others within the Premier League.
“General it was unimaginable how we defended as a result of we wanted it. “Should you don't have restoration and the gamers are drained, you may't count on them to be excellent as a result of they’re human.”
Whereas Liverpool stay in pole place, Metropolis are sizzling on their heels after extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 video games since defeat to Aston Villa in December.
Guardiola hailed Metropolis's dynastic reign within the Premier League, saying: 'Each three days for years, not simply this season, for years. It's onerous, however they nonetheless win. My admiration for all of the gamers is unimaginable.”
Metropolis play Luton within the FA Cup fifth spherical on Wednesday earlier than internet hosting Manchester United in an important league match subsequent weekend.
Guardiola left Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, however Metropolis shortly took the lead.
Foden performed a pinpoint go to Erling Haaland, who flew in the direction of objective, however failed with a drive that whistled huge.
Bournemouth nearly made Haaland pay for that miss when Milos Kerkez's well-hit effort compelled an incredible save from Ederson.
However Metropolis have been shortly again on the assault as Foden introduced Bournemouth keeper Neto into motion for the primary time with a long-range strike.
It was a warning that Bournemouth did not heed as Foden put the guests forward within the twenty fourth minute.
Haaland made his approach into the penalty space and scored a shot that Neto may solely push to Foden, who had the easy job of tapping into the empty internet.
Metropolis on ropes
Foden's sixteenth objective in all competitions this season was nearly adopted by a Bernardo Silva second of magic because the Metropolis midfielder went narrowly huge.
Bournemouth haven’t received a league victory in seven video games since Boxing Day, however they bounced again to provide Metropolis an actual scare.
Ederson made an excellent save from Ryan Christie's objective simply earlier than half-time and the Brazilian was known as again into motion instantly after the break.
Justin Kluivert was given an excessive amount of time and house exterior the town space and the Bournemouth striker's low drive was repelled at full pace by Ederson.
After one other slim win in opposition to Brentford in midweek, Guardiola as soon as once more sat uncomfortably on the sidelines as Bournemouth grew in confidence.
Marcus Tavernier missed an opportunity to equalize as a consequence of a poor end from Antoine Semenyo's cross.
Tavernier was responsible of a fair worse miss moments later, sliding huge from ten meters with the objective at his mercy.
Metropolis have been normally so unperturbed that for as soon as Metropolis have been reeling, however Ederson stored the lead with a superb save from Dominic Solanke's header.
In his final motion earlier than being changed by Julian Alvarez, Haaland's highly effective strike ended with an excellent save from Neto.
Metropolis have been nervous till the ultimate whistle, however Bournemouth's Dango Ouattara squandered an excellent probability earlier than Enes Unal's header crept inches huge.
