Manchester City went top of the Premier League table with a 4-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday and Ilkay Gundogan was one of many players who impressed at the Etihad Stadium.
Only Kevin De Bruyne created more chances than the 31-year-old, and Gundogan got on the scoresheet too, so he’s vindicating his selection after being frustrated with a lack of playing time last season.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
Gundogan opened the scoring in the 19th minute, finishing into the bottom corner after playing a give-and-go with Erling Haaland. The German international started alongside Rodri in a deep-lying role, but his running off the ball caused Bournemouth problems.
Tom Gott of 90min gave Gundogan a player rating of 8/10 and said he was ‘involved in absolutely everything’ at the Etihad and made a lot of ‘smart runs’ to tear the Cherries apart. Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News gave the 31-year-old a player rating of 8/10 and said he delivered an ‘excellent performance’.
Against Bournemouth, Gundogan played for 64 minutes, had 49 touches, won two aerial duels, completed 89.5% of his 38 passes, created three chances, had two shots with 50% hitting the target, made two tackles and won two freekicks.
He’s now started both league games for City this season and is likely to keep his place if he continues to put in good performances.