MANCHESTER, England — In a remarkable display of skill, Omar Marmoush’s spectacular long-range goal became the highlight of the evening as Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday. This match was particularly notable as it marked Kevin De Bruyne’s final appearance at the Etihad, leaving the pitch after a decade of unforgettable contributions to the club.
Marmoush’s stunning strike from approximately 30 yards opened the scoring early in the match, as his shot curved perfectly to hit the crossbar and land in the top corner. It was a moment that echoed the magic De Bruyne himself has delivered throughout his career. City manager Pep Guardiola emphasized the importance of this win, stating that qualifying for the Champions League after a challenging season would mean a great deal to the team.
De Bruyne, known as “King Kev” by fans, received a heartfelt standing ovation and a special banner commemorating his legacy as he was substituted in the second half. Despite his contributions, he faced disappointment after missing a clear chance to score in his farewell match, hitting the bar from a short distance. “Terrible, terrible,” he remarked, reflecting on the miss, “There’s no excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today.”
City extended its lead with a goal from Bernardo Silva in the 38th minute and a late goal from substitute Nico Gonzalez in the 89th minute. Although Deniel Jebbison managed to score for Bournemouth in added time, it was not enough to impact the outcome. Moreover, both teams were reduced to ten players during the match, which added drama to an already intense clash.
With this victory, Manchester City catapults to third place in the standings and is in a strong position for Champions League qualification, needing just a point from their final match against Fulham on Sunday. After a trophy-less season, this result offers a hopeful turn, allowing City the chance to end the season with a spot in Europe’s elite competition. However, Bournemouth’s loss significantly dampens their aspirations of European qualification.
This match was a poignant reminder of De Bruyne’s impact on City, while also showcasing the rising talent in the league with players like Marmoush stepping into the spotlight.