Two defeats in four days for Manchester City and it suddenly looks like English football’s slickest machine has seriously broken down. Pep Guardiola fans may point to injuries and absences, but Bournemouth’s well-deserved defeat was about much more than personnel issues.

City lost this match not because they were missing players, but because they were inferior to Bournemouth in important football areas such as organization, energy, intensity, creativity and adaptability.

Andoni Iraola’s team had all these qualities and as a result they also had a real club history. It was their first win against City and they ended a record 20 league matches without a win against a single opponent. Finally the burden is lifted.

There were problems all over the field for City, who also lost to Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. Erling Haaland spent most of the afternoon nodding sullenly at the Bournemouth defense rather than threatening it, and Kyle Walker was repeatedly exposed down City’s right flank.

Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson gave Bournemouth another three points as they had to hang on for dear life after Josko Gvardiol scored with a powerful header for the visitors.

The pressure on Bournemouth’s defense was almost unbearably intense in the final moments – as would be expected against a City team unbeaten in the league since December – but Bournemouth ultimately showed defensive steel to match their attacking silks.

At the other end of the pitch, City players lost their battles. Haaland was flanked by Illia Zabarnyi, Walker was bullied by Semenyo, Phil Foden was dominated by the indefatigable Lewis Cook. Arguably the best player on the pitch was Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. There was no player in the blue team who could compare to Kerkez’s energy, spirit and determination in attacking moments.