Manchester City 4-0 Bournemouth: 5 talking points

Manchester City took on Bournemouth earlier today and well, they did what City do best; ease past a hapless lower-table side without breaking a sweat. City were firm favourites going into the game and though little was expected of the Cherries, the way they had put up a brave display in the previous leg was still at the back of the mind.

Eddie Howe's side sat back and defended staunchly in the opening few minutes, but City have breached even the best of defences and it didn't take them long to find the back of the net.

A brace from Sergio Aguero and goals from Raheem Sterling and Danilo ensured a one-sided scoreline once again in City's favour. The Sky Blues are now 14 points ahead of Manchester United, who are playing Leicester City.

Here are five talking points from the game:

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#5 Did the early injury set-back shackle Bournemouth?

Bournemouth set up with the trio of Jordon Ibe, Junior Stanislas and Callum Wilson up front, in what seemed like a 3-4-2-1 setup. It was clear that Eddie Howe was keen on hitting Man City on the break using the pace of the front three, but the early first-half injury to Stanislas sort of disrupted their game plan.

I might be overstating things a bit, considering they were facing Manchester City, but regardless of what set up you use, pace isn't easy to contain, something that Bournemouth had planned to rely on against the seemingly unbeatable Manchester City.

#2 A low-block? A high-press? It doesn't really matter

Howe do I stop this side?

Now, as discussed in the first point, Eddie Howe set his team up to hit City on the counter. But going by Bournemouth's usual style of play, they had to focus a hell of a lot to keep out an in-form Man City attack, something they aren't known for.

Howe's side tend to play a more aggressive brand of football, relying on turnovers high up the pitch. A game against Manchester City is a nightmare to prepare for, for a manager of a lower table club who doesn't use the negative approach of sitting back and soaking pressure.

Having said that, City's midfield has so much quality, that it doesn't really matter what set up you play. Bournemouth sat deep in the first half but City were good enough to breach them and get ahead, which eased the pressure.

The problem is, though, you can't really overindulge in playing the pressing game. City's midfield has so much technical ability that pressing them is pretty hard as well. The trio of Silva, De Bruyne and Fernandinho has impeccable positioning, so at times, pressing makes it easier for City to just pass it around and then have an easier run on goal, something Bournemouth found out in the second half as they tried to force the issue after going down.

#3 Raheem Sterling continues to rack up the numbers

Another Sterling performance

It was another game and another stellar performance from Raheem Sterling. The Manchester City forward still has his critics but continues to add to his already impressive tally.

The former Liverpool midfielder has scored the most goals for the club this season and made it 12 for the season with his strike early in the second half. He also assisted Danilo for the second, making it a total of five assists this season.

Raheem Sterling (23) has been directly involved in 32 club goals in 2017.• 19 goals• 13 assistsSergio Agüero is the only Man City player involved in more—41.??? pic.twitter.com/VjnfBIxUYf

— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) December 23, 2017

Sterling might not give you the perfect 90 minutes but he has definitely been the X-factor in the City squad. He has popped up with late goals and his positioning in the penalty box has been immaculate so far.

#4 Bernardo Silva could be a crucial player in the second half of the season

Bernardo Silva is growing into his role at City

Bernardo Silva had a pretty low key first half of the season, and understandably so as it's his first season in the Premier League. That coupled with the fact that it's hard to get into City's settled first XI has meant very little game time for the Portuguese international.

In the last few weeks though, Silva has had his chance and he has impressed when given a run-out. He has played in City's last four games -- starting in two of them -- and has provided three assists and scored once.

It's still pretty hard to get into the playing XI, but considering there is still half a season to go, the City fans can rest assured knowing that there is a top quality backup for the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne.

A player of his namesake David Silva's mould, Bernardo can play alongside Fernandinho in a deeper role or play a more attacking minded role, like he did to such good effect in Monaco.

#5 Sergio Aguero has another landmark moment

Aguero scored his 100th goal at the Etihad

It doesn't matter if you rotate and play someone else in place of him. It doesn't matter if you call him a flat-track bully. Sergio Aguero will inevitably score a bagful of goals and make you eat your own words. At times, even make your Fantasy Premier League team, thereby making you a closet fan of his.

Sergio Aguero has now scored 100 goals in all competitions at the Etihad Stadium. Home sweet home. ? pic.twitter.com/HGIwtZ8ho7

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 23, 2017

Earlier today, El Kun scored his 100th goal at the Etihad and made history yet again. His total goals tally for the season is now 12, three behind top goalscorer Mohamed Salah. Aguero has started 13 games this season and played a hand in 16 goals, which is a testament to his ability on the pitch.

At 29, he perhaps has a couple of peak years left, but one thing is for certain; the records he has broken at the Etihad will remain for quite a while.