The other side of Pep Guardiola that complicates Man City legacy
The unthinkable Man City consequence and five vital questions surrounding Premier League case
Bournemouth v Man City - Premier League latest updates
- Man City must win at Bournemouth to take title race to final day
- 39' GOAL! Kroupi stunner deals City huge title blow [BOU 1-0 MCI]
- 12' NO GOAL! Semenyo slots home against former club but flag goes up [BOU 0-0 MCI]
- Pep Guardiola responds to rumours of Man City exit after 10 years
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:52 , Will Castle63 mins: Rodri aims for the top-right corner... but it flies over. Shakes of the head from City fans. With less than half an hour to play, they can feel this slipping away.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:51 , Will Castle62 mins: More heart-in-mouth action for the visitors as Bournemouth’s corner is headed down, sparking panic in the box before an effort is fired just wide of the post.
The referee does blow for a foul so City would have been alright. But a scary moment, and going two down would surely kill this title race for good.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:50 , Will Castle60 mins: CHANCE! It is a joy to watch this Bournemouth team.
They break forward down the left with Truffert who pulls it back to Evanilson on the edge of the box. The Brazilian flicks it behind him for Kroupi to fire again, but the Frenchman bends over.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:46 , Will Castle56 mins: And Phil Foden to said cavalry. Foden, Cherki and Savinho replace Kovacic, Silva and Semenyo for Manchester City.
No goals on his return to the Vitality for Semenyo. Kovacic’s surprise start has not paid off.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:43 , Will Castle54 mins: City have a lot more about them since the restart.
Bernardo Silva just had another half-chance in the area, but he was crowded out and his effort was blocked.
Guardiola is now bringing on the cavalry. Rayan Cherki and Savinho are stripped and ready. A statement of intent.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:41 , Will Castle52 mins: SAVE! Lovely one-touch play from Bournemouth fashions a half-chance for Evanilson who flicks goalwards, and it requires a stop from Donnarumma.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:39 , Will Castle49 mins: Haaland just saw the flag go up against him early as he was bearing down on goal from halfway.
Usually those are played out - and replays showed that he might have been onside.
A strange, and potentially detrimental, call from the linesman.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:35 , Will Castle46 mins: SAVE! City have come out swinging in this second half!
Haaland slips O’Reilly through after a lovely turn by Semenyo on the halfway line, but the Englishman can’t beat Petrovic.
That would’ve been the perfect start for Guardiola’s side.
BACK UNDERWAY! Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:34 , Will CastleAnd we’re off again.
Arsenal are 45 minutes away from the Premier League title, as things stand.
Micah Richards calls on Man City to step up tempo
20:28 , Will Castle"Man City have started lethargically,” said Richards on Sky Sports.
"They have been too slow. They haven't got near anyone and have been cut open with ease.
"They need more urgency."
HALF-TIME! Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:27 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:24 , Will CastleEli Kroupi Junior’s stunning curler is proving the difference so far with Bournemouth currently on course to deliver Arsenal the Premier League title tonight.
Manchester City need a victory to stay in the title race but will now need to score (at least) two goals to take things to the final day.
Antoine Semenyo had an early goal disallowed for offside while Evanilson missed an absolute sitter minutes afterwards.
While this clash could prove decisive at the top of the table, Bournemouth have also taken a huge step towards achieving their own ambitions and are now on track to seal Europa League qualification.
HALF-TIME! Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:18 , Will CastleBournemouth lead, Manchester City have problems and Arsenal are halfway towards the Premier League title.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:17 , Will Castle45+2 mins: Bournemouth have their tails up and want to extend their lead before the break.
They come forward and switch it nicely, with Guehi required to stick out a foot to touch it for a throw.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:16 , Will Castle45+1 mins: Two minutes added on for first-half stoppages.
Bournemouth 1-0 Man City
20:15 , Will Castle41 mins: There’s a heart-in-mouth moment as Kroupi breaks in behind again, but he’s about five yards offside.
Bournemouth aren’t just on course to deny Man City the title - this also puts them on track to seal a Europa League place.
GOAL! Bournemouth 1-0 Man City (Kroupi, 39')
20:09 , Will CastleBournemouth lead and there’ll be JUBILATION in North London!
Eli Junior Kroupi whips into the top right corner to put Manchester City behind, who now need two to keep the title race alive.
HOW BIG OF A GOAL COULD THAT BE?!
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
20:08 , Will Castle37 mins: Hill does well to read Semenyo’s through ball to Haaland, jumping across and winning a free-kick.
But in the break in play, it’s Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams who ends up in the book, seeing yellow for sarcastic applause towards Anthony Taylor.
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
20:06 , Will Castle35 mins: A bit of drama on the touchline as Anthony Taylor gives a stern talking-to to one of Andoni Iraola’s assistants.
Just a warning for now.
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
20:01 , Will Castle30 mins: It’s Doku again trying to provide the attacking impetus for City as he tries to bring a ball down and dart in behind, but Hill intervenes.
An unsung hero for the Cherries this season. Rarely put a foot wrong.
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
19:59 , Will Castle27 mins: Doku tries to catch out Petrovic at his near post and wins a corner as the Bournemouth stopper parries it around his near post.
The resulting delivery sparks pinball in the box as O’Reilly tries to flick it goalwards, before it falls to Haaland whose effort at the tight angle is blocked.
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
19:55 , Will Castle25 mins: Bournemouth look to strike on the counter as a long ball is pinged for Evanilson to chase.
He has a scrap with Marc Guehi over 20 yards which ends with both men hitting the deck, and the referee rules in favour of the City defender.
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
19:54 , Will Castle22 mins: Little to separate the teams so far - if not for fine margins (and shocking finishing), this game would be one apiece.
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
19:48 , Will Castle15 mins: CHANCE! How has he missed?!
It’s a howler from Evanilson who has it put on a plate for him from Tavernier, but his effort from close range bounces into the ground and over the bar!
The offside flag then goes up which may help him feel a bit better - but that was a close call, to say the least.
City will be counting their blessings.
NO GOAL! Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
19:43 , Will Castle12 mins: Antoine Semenyo has the ball in the net against his former club after being beautifully slipped in by Erling Haaland... but the flag goes up!
Didn’t look like there was much in it - but the check is cleared and the decision of no goal is confirmed.
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
19:39 , Will Castle8 mins: The chant of “one more year, one more year, Guardiola” is ringing out from the away end as Man City fans make their plea to the Catalan, who is seemingly on his way out at the end of the season.
Not sure they’ll get their wish...
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
19:36 , Will Castle5 mins: CHANCE! A first big opening for the visitors!
It’s worked wonderfully from the right to Doku just inside the box, whose first touch sends his man and gives him a shooting opportunity.
The Belgian can’t whip it far enough into the left corner and it’s a comfortable save for Petrovic. But that was a chance.
Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
19:34 , Will Castle3 mins: This has started at a great tempo for the neutral - but maybe not to Man City’s taste.
Bournemouth are showing encouraging signs early on, ticking the ball around the area with their dangermen getting a few touches in the box.
KICK-OFF! Bournemouth 0-0 Man City
19:31 , Will CastleAnd we’re underway!
Closing in on kick-off
19:28 , Will CastleWe’re just minutes away from kick-off on the south coast with Manchester City’s title hopes very much on a knife-edge.
After what has been a crazy couple hours of build-up, made up mostly of developments not concerning this specific game, we now turn full focus to the Vitality.
A huge 90 minutes coming up. Arsenal will be watching on with the champagne on ice.
Here come the teams. Don’t, go, anywhere.
Familiar face at the Vitality
19:20 , Will CastleAntoine Semenyo returns to familiar territory for tonight’s must-win clash, facing his former side Bournemouth.
The winger joined Manchester City from the Cherries in January and has inspired Pep Guardiola’s side back into title contention having seemed off the pace at the halfway point.
However, the dream will end tonight if City can’t pull off a victory against his former employers.
Pep Guardiola 'probed' over exit rumours
19:14 , Will CastlePep Guardiola has just spoken to Sky Sports ahead of tonight’s clash with Bournemouth, and we were all expecting for him to be asked about the noise regarding his reportedly imminent Manchester City exit.
That’s not what we got because Sky opted against asking him about the rumours directly.
Instead, Guardiola was only questioned whether the talk had affected his pre-match preparations, to which he responded: “Zero.”
BREAKING: Southampton kicked out of Championship play-off final over spying scandal
19:03 , Will CastleAbsolutely seismic news coming out of the Championship tonight.
Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs for spying as Middlesbrough will instead face Hull City in the final at Wembley on Saturday.
Southampton, who had beaten Boro 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, admitted multiple breaches of Football League regulations as they said they were guilty of unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training sessions.
An independent disciplinary commission has also given Southampton a four-point deduction, which will apply to next season’s Championship.
Full story:
Southampton kicked out of Championship play-off final over spying scandal
Pep Guardiola’s most memorable Man City moments
18:59 , Will CastlePep Guardiola is set to conclude his remarkable decade-long reign at Manchester City this summer, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of 20 trophies.
His potential departure would mark the end of an era defined by tactical innovation, relentless success, and a profound transformation of the club's identity, and here are his most memorable moments during his time in the City dugout...
Guardiola’s most memorable moments: Kompany’s thunderbolt and conquering Europe
Andoni Iraola: Taking Bournemouth into Europe would be 'best way to finish'
18:52 , Will CastleAndoni Iraola says guiding Bournemouth into Europe for the first time in the club’s 127-year history would be the perfect way to mark his final home game as head coach.
“It would be lovely for me,” said Iraola, who announced last month he will step down at the end of the season after three years in charge.
“It would be the best way to finish these amazing three seasons.
“Especially this year, it has been really challenging for me as a coach because we’ve changed a lot the team and we’ve changed, not completely our style, but it’s a different type of football comparing to last season.
“It would be the best way to end it.”
The troubling Bournemouth challenge
18:45 , Will CastleManchester City need a victory tonight - but Andoni Iraola’s ambitious Cherries will hardly offer a walk-over.
Bournemouth have lofty dreams of their own and are targeting a spot in the Europa League. Iraola’s men are unbeaten in 16 matches - a run that goes back to January - which includes high-profile wins over Liverpool and Arsenal.
Adding City to the list of big clubs beaten this year would guarantee the Cherries at least sixth place in the league as well as a place in Europe so they have everything to play for tonight.
The other side of Pep Guardiola that complicates Man City legacy
18:37 , Miguel DelaneyWhen other coaches are asked about Pep Guardiola, and almost invariably describe him as the game’s greatest manager, there’s usually one common compliment. The Catalan made them think about things they didn’t expect. He comes up with plays and tactics they couldn’t have imagined.
On the whole, in perhaps the best eulogy for Guardiola, he’s turned football thinking on its head.
However, his allegiance to Manchester City - a “sportswashing” vehicle for the projection of the power of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates - provokes questions about his legacy beyond the pitch.
The other side of Pep Guardiola that complicates Man City legacy
Your move, City
18:30 , Will CastleThe title could slip out of Manchester City’s grasp tonight if they don’t do the business against Bournemouth, after Arsenal scraped their way past Burnley last night to leave them on the brink of glory.
Here’s Miguel Delaney’s report from that potentially decisive result at the Emirates:
Resolute Arsenal do it the hard way but Premier League title now within grasp
One forced change for Bournemouth
18:25 , Will CastleJust the single change for Andoni Iraola’s side, and it’s one they’ve been forced to make after Ryan Christie’s red card against Fulham last time out.
Tyler Adams comes in to replace the Scot.
Guardiola names surprise starter for crucial clash
18:23 , Will CastlePep Guardiola has chosen to give Mateo Kovacic his first league start of an injury-maligned season against Bournemouth, joining Rodri in what looks to be a double-pivot.
The decision means Bernardo Silva moves into a more attacking role while Rayan Cherki remains on the bench.
Gianluigi Donnarumma also regains his starting spot after James Trafford played in the FA Cup final.
Man City team news
18:18 , Will CastleMan City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Kovacic; Silva, Semenyo, Doku; Haaland.
Subs: Trafford, Dias, Reijnders, Stones, Marmoush, Cherki, Gvardiol, Savinho, Foden.
Tonight’s team to face Bournemouth! 💪🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2026
XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O’Reilly, Rodri, Kovacic, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Dias, Reijnders, Stones, Marmoush, Cherki, Gvardiol, Savinho, Foden
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/jYkOJdbCaD
Bournemouth team news
18:17 , Will CastleBournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson.
Subs: Mandas, Cook, Brooks, Gannon-Doak, Diakite, Kluivert, Adli, Unal, Toth.
🔴 TEAM NEWS 🔵
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) May 19, 2026
Up the Cherries 🍒🍒🍒#BOUMCI | #afcb pic.twitter.com/9Y7Cw5lD7G
Team news coming up
18:12 , Will CastleWe’re just a few minutes away from learning tonight’s team news - here’s what we know so far...
Ryan Christie will miss the match after picking up a red card in the win over Fulham. Lewis Cook and Julio Soler are back from injuries and could play a part but right-back Alex Jimenez has been suspended by the club.
Pep Guardiola has a full squad to choose from with Rodri back from injury having played 65 minutes of the FA Cup final last Saturday. Rayan Cherki is expected to start ahead of Omar Marmoush with Gianluigi Donnarumma set to return in goal.
Pep Guardiola pushing Man City on to take title race to wire
18:06 , Will CastleBefore any exit for Pep Guardiola, he and City will have another chance to win the Premier League - but they need a win on the south coast tonight to keep their hopes alive.
They trail Arsenal by five points with two games to go and must win both of their remaining matches.
Ahead of tonight’s clash with Bournemouth, Guardiola called on his team to take things to the wire.
"The important thing is to arrive at the end with options," Guardiola stated. "All we want is to be with our people in the last game to try to fight. To extend for these last four or five days what we have to do is win at Bournemouth."
Mikel Arteta on Pep Guardiola's possible exit
17:59 , Will CastleWhen news broke of Pep Guardiola’s potential exit yesterday, Arsenal were preparing for a huge match against Burnley.
They won that 1-0 to keep the destination of the Premier League title in their own hands and Mikel Arteta was asked about Guardiola after the match.
He told Sky Sports: "Once he makes that decision then we can talk about it. Before that, nobody should do it."
Who is the greatest Premier League manager of all time?
17:52 , Will CastleWith Guardiola reportedly set to leave Manchester City after a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad, debate is already raging over where he ranks among the Premier League’s managerial greats.
Six league titles, a Champions League and a record-breaking era of dominance have put Guardiola alongside icons such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho in the conversation – but who comes out on top? Vote in our poll below:
Mikel Arteta jokes he will be ‘the biggest ever’ Bournemouth fan
17:45 , Will CastleMikel Arteta is ready to become “the biggest ever” Bournemouth fan with his Arsenal team on the brink of Premier League glory.
After yesterday’s win over Burnley, the Gunners could be crowned champions if Manchester City fail to beat the Cherries tonight.
And when asked if he will be a Bournemouth fan for the upcoming 90 minutes of football, Arteta said: “The biggest ever.
“(Bournemouth manager) Andoni (Iraola), and all the players and all the supporters of Bournemouth, I think we are all fans because we know what it means if they get a result.
“I don’t think (a text to Iraola) is needed. What he’s done in that football club, the transformation, what they are playing for, I don’t think they need anything else.
Enzo Maresca favourite to replace Pep Guardiola
17:38 , Will CastleNaturally when news of a manager’s departure drops speculation in who will replace them begins to rise.
In this case, Enzo Maresca is the favourite to take over at the Etihad Stadium once Guardiola’s exit is confirmed.
Maresca was an assistant to Guardiola during City’s treble winning season of 2022/23 before winning promotion from the Championship with Leicester and claiming the Club World Cup with Chelsea.
Maresca fell out with the Chelsea ownership back in January and was replaced with Liam Rosenior. It was then that rumours began of him being in talks with City to replace Guardiola.
Here’s everything you need to know about Guardiola’s potential successor:
Would Enzo Maresca be the right man to replace Pep Guardiola?
Pep Guardiola’s decade of dominance changed English football – but it also changed him
17:31 , Richard JollyA clue came when Pep Guardiola said part of him would leave with Bernardo Silva. It wasn’t strictly accurate: it turns out all of the Manchester City manager is set to go when his captain departs.
Guardiola’s final season at the Etihad Stadium has taken place with his future providing the backdrop: there have been times when, looking drained, it felt like his last but others when, energised by a new-look team, it felt like he might see out a contract that runs until 2027.
Now it looks as if he is indeed set to leave. An era is ending. Guardiola is unlikely to have done the maths on it, but his valedictory match, against Aston Villa on Sunday, will mean he has managed City more times than anyone else, a 593rd game to Les McDowall’s 592. He is approaching 200 more victories in their dugout than anyone else. Calling him City’s greatest manager is utterly uncontroversial. The surprise is not that he is going now, but that he has had such longevity.
Pep Guardiola’s decade of dominance changed English football but it also changed him
How can Arsenal win the title tonight?
17:23 , Will CastleArsenal’s nervy victory over Burnley has put them on the brink of glory and they will win the title away from the pitch with a game to spare if Man City slip up at Bournemouth tonight.
If City win on the south coast, the title race continues to a final-day showdown.
Pep Guardiola verging on shock exit
17:07 , Will CastleAnd we thought tonight would only be about the title race.,,
Pep Guardiola is set to confirm his Manchester City departure at the end of this season in a move that will spark a seismic shift in the Premier League.
The Spaniard’s exit is expected to come after Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa and will bring an end to one of the most trophy-laden reigns in English football history, following 10 years of dominance in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
For now, Man City maintain Guardiola has a contract for next season and are hopeful he will remain as manager.
However, it is widely understood that an official announcement on his exit is imminent - whether it will come ahead of tonight’s crucial clash at the Vitality is unknown.
Here’s the full story:
Pep Guardiola set for shock Man City exit
Latest odds
17:00 , Will CastleUnsurprisingly bettings sites have Manchester City as favourites to win tonight’s match and end Bournemouth’s unbeaten run.
Bournemouth to win - 7/2
Draw - 3/1
Man City to win - 4/6
Predicted line-ups
16:55 , Will CastleBournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson
Man City XI: Donnarumma; O’Reilly, Guehi, Khusanov, Nunes; Rodri, Bernardo; Doku, Foden, Cherki; Haaland
Manchester City team news
16:50 , Will CastlePep Guardiola has a full squad to choose from with Rodri back from injury having played 65 minutes of the FA Cup final last Saturday.
Rayan Cherki is expected to start ahead of Omar Marmoush with Gianluigi Donnarumma set to return in goal.
But if we’re all being candid, it’s not the team we’re itching to hear about from the Catalan... Guardiola’s pre-match interview will be appointment viewing.
Bournemouth team news
16:45 , Will CastleRyan Christie will miss the match after picking up a red card in the win over Fulham.
Lewis Cook and Julio Soler are back from injuries and could play a part but right-back Alex Jimenez has been suspended by the club.
Is Bournemouth vs Manchester City on TV?
16:40 , Will CastleBournemouth vs Man City is due to kick off at 7.30pm BST on Tuesday, 19 May at the Vitality Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event with coverage starting at 7pm. Subscribers can also stream the game live on Sky Go.
Bournemouth vs Manchester City LIVE!
16:34 , Will CastleManchester City travel to Bournemouth tonight amid a wave of outside noise as they seek to take the title race to the final day with rumours swirling about Pep Guardiola’s imminent departure.
City are five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with two games to play and must defeat the Cherries this evening or else the Gunners will be confirmed as champions. That pressure is only increased by the news that Guardiola is reportedly leaving the club at the end of the season and that this will be is final title race.
To make matters worse, Bournemouth have lofty ambitions of their own and are targeting a spot in the Europa League. Andoni Iraola’s men are unbeaten in 16 matches - a run that goes back to January - which includes high-profile wins over Liverpool and Arsenal.
Adding City to the list of big clubs beaten this year would guarantee the Cherries at least sixth place in the league as well as a place in Europe so they have everything to play for tonight.
Good afternoon
16:30 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Manchester City’s crucial meeting with Bournemouth in their penultimate Premier League outing.
With City needing a win to take the title race to the final day, stay tuned for all the team news, build-up and match action - as well as the latest from Pep Guardiola on his future...
