Manchester City beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the Premier League, with sustained possession and a higher volume of attacking pressure proving decisive against matching 4-2-3-1 systems. City controlled 66% of the ball and generated 2.36 xG from 13 shots, using their double pivot to establish territory before supplying the three attacking midfielders behind the striker. Bournemouth operated with 34% possession and only five attempts, but their direct approach still produced four shots on target and kept the hosts under pressure. Marcus Tavernier scored Bournemouth’s goal, while Josko Gvardiol and Marc Guehi supplied City’s two, underlining the home side’s ability to find decisive contributions beyond their forwards. The goalkeepers also influenced a narrow contest: City’s keeper saved 75% of the four efforts faced, while Bournemouth’s recorded a 66.67% save rate against six shots on target. Those figures reflect City’s greater attacking frequency, although Bournemouth’s accuracy ensured the advantage never became comfortable. Jarred Gillett oversaw a match ultimately settled by City’s territorial control and broader scoring threat. The victory strengthens City’s position at the start of the campaign.