Manchester City 4-0 Bournemouth: 5 talking points

#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.