Marcus Tavernier struck midway through the first half to give Bournemouth a shock lead against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The winger finished cleanly to break the deadlock in the opening fixture of the new Premier League campaign.
City dominated early possession under sunny skies in Manchester, controlling over 70 per cent of the ball during a one-sided opening quarter of an hour. Nico O'Reilly produced an early clearance to quell a rare visiting counter-attack.
Despite the home side enjoying total territorial control, the Cherries remained compact and disciplined across the pitch under referee Jarred Gillett. The visitors waited patiently for opportunities to spring forward on the break.
Bournemouth made their moment count in the 26th minute through a swift attacking move. Tavernier found space inside the penalty area and fired home to stun the home crowd.
The goalscorer received a yellow card shortly after as the visitors looked to disrupt City's rhythm. Bournemouth dug in defensively to protect their unexpected advantage before the interval.
City pushed forward relentlessly in search of an equaliser, creating opportunities but struggling to find clinical accuracy in front of goal. Bournemouth held firm to take their slender lead into half-time.
The second half continued in similar fashion as the hosts monopolised possession and probed for openings around the penalty area. Defender Josko Gvardiol helped restart attacks from wide throw-in positions as pressure mounted.
Bournemouth continued to frustrate the hosts with resolute defending and sharp tackling deep inside their defensive third. The Cherries repelled continuous delivery into the box to preserve their lead heading into the closing stages.
