Manchester City recorded a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth after Raheem Sterling netted in the seventh minute of added-on time in their Premier League fixture at the Vitality Stadium.
Gabriel Jesus cancelled out Charlie Daniels’s sensational early strike, but just as it appeared that Bournemouth would hold on for a deserved point, Sterling snatched the win for the visitors.
The winger was promptly handed a second booking for his celebration, but it will matter little to Pep Guardiola as his side moved to the top of the league table.
Bournemouth went into the game having failed to score in their opening two league fixtures, but Eddie Howe’s side dominated the opening stages on the south coast.
The breakthrough came in stunning fashion as Daniels ran onto a clearance from City before firing an unstoppable into the bottom corner via the underside of the crossbar.
City were back on level terms through Jesus who poked the ball past Asmir Begovic after collecting a pass from David Silva.
After the restart, City picked up where they had left off but unlike in the first half, chances were few and far between and Bournemouth almost capitalised.
With 16 minutes left, City went closer through Nicolas Otamendi, who directed a header against the post before the ball ricocheted into the hands of Begovic.
Five minutes of added-on time was signalled by the fourth official, but there was at least double that, with the extra minutes first being instigated by a disagreement on the touchline between Guardiola and Howe.
After the five minutes were up, King forced a solid save out of Ederson, but referee Mike Dean opted to let play continue and 90 seconds after added-on time was due to be completed, Sterling sent a deflected effort into the corner from 12 yards.
It sparked joyous scenes in the City end but Sterling was handed a second yellow card when jumping into the crowd after netting what turned out to the decisive goal.
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