English Premier defending champions, Manchester City on Saturday evening secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory at the Vitality stadium as Phil Foden’s first-half goal moved them one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
All effort by Bournemouth players to score in the thrilling encounter met a brick wall.
Foden scored after receiving a pass in the 18 yard box to put the visitors in the lead in the 24th minute of the encounter and the goal proved highly decisive.
The hosts looked capable of an equaliser after the break when Marcus Tavernier had two decent opportunities in quick succession and Enes Unal headed just wide at the death.
City have 59 points from 26 games with Liverpool, who play Chelsea in the League Cup final on Sunday, on 60.
Despite dominating possession, they were severely tested at the Vitality Stadium and their relief at the final whistle was palpable as they held on to turn up the heat on Liverpool.
Guardiola’s side lacked their usual fluency but still stretched their unbeaten league run to 11 games with a second successive 1-0 victory, after a midweek win over Brentford.
“The players surprise me every time, the character, always competitive when they are tired,” Guardiola said.
“Winning 0-5 is not a reality. Hopefully we can have a week off soon to rest the legs.”
Erling Haaland still looked short of his best form after returning from injury and missed an early opportunity when he fired wide with the sort opportunity he usually converts.
But Manchester City have plenty of other match-winners, not least Foden who once again displayed his increasingly influential role in the team as he poached his ninth league goal of the season.
Haaland showed great strength to roll his marker and get a shot off that home keeper Neto did well to keep out but the ball fell to Foden who coolly turned in the rebound.
Shortly before that, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson was forced into a save from Milos Kerkez’s dipping effort.
Manchester City could not build on their lead after the break, however, and Bournemouth, roared on by a vociferous home crowd, pinned them back.
The results leaves the race for the title a three horse race amongst Liverpool, Arsenal and City.