Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Bournemouth in the final weeks of the Premier League, leaving Arsenal officially crowned champions of the season. The crucial match ended in a draw as Pep Guardiola's men, tired from the FA Cup final and rumours of their manager's departure, failed to break down the hosts' stronghold, sending the trophy to London for the first time in years.
Publish dateWednesday 20 May 2026 - 10:13
Story Code : 355337
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): Pep Guardiola's men faced a tough and high-ranked Bournemouth on the south coast of England on a night when they desperately needed all three points to keep their title hopes alive; a team that had not lost in its last 16 games with an unparalleled record and was fighting for its first European qualification in its history.
First half; Bournemouth shock and City goal disallowed by VAR:
Manchester City started the game on the offensive and in the 13th minute, Antoine Semneau opened the scoring for his former team after a pass from Erling Haaland, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). After exchanging several dangerous chances on goal, it was the home team that finally struck first in the 39th minute on a lightning-fast counterattack; Junior Crupi, after receiving a cutback pass in the penalty area, sent the ball into the corner of Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal with a spectacular turn to end the first half with a defeat for the Citizens.
Second half; Pep's fruitless gamble and the drama of the final minutes:
As the second half began, the pressure of the Manchester Blues' attacks doubled. Guardiola made a number of attacking substitutions before the 60th minute, bringing on Phil Foden, Ryan Skerky and Savino, but Bournemouth goalkeeper Petrović was an impenetrable barrier with his super reactions.
The climax of the match came in stoppage time, when Rodri's wild shot hit the post in the 95th minute and Erling Haaland's rebound gave the hosts hope. However, there was not enough time for Pep to make a full comeback and the referee's whistle signalled the end of City's dream.
With the 1-1 draw, Manchester City's bid for a seventh title under Guardiola was in vain, with the team settling for two FA Cups and the Carabao Cup this season, before the Premier League trophy was officially handed to Arsenal.
First half; Bournemouth shock and City goal disallowed by VAR:
Manchester City started the game on the offensive and in the 13th minute, Antoine Semneau opened the scoring for his former team after a pass from Erling Haaland, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). After exchanging several dangerous chances on goal, it was the home team that finally struck first in the 39th minute on a lightning-fast counterattack; Junior Crupi, after receiving a cutback pass in the penalty area, sent the ball into the corner of Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal with a spectacular turn to end the first half with a defeat for the Citizens.
Second half; Pep's fruitless gamble and the drama of the final minutes:
As the second half began, the pressure of the Manchester Blues' attacks doubled. Guardiola made a number of attacking substitutions before the 60th minute, bringing on Phil Foden, Ryan Skerky and Savino, but Bournemouth goalkeeper Petrović was an impenetrable barrier with his super reactions.
The climax of the match came in stoppage time, when Rodri's wild shot hit the post in the 95th minute and Erling Haaland's rebound gave the hosts hope. However, there was not enough time for Pep to make a full comeback and the referee's whistle signalled the end of City's dream.
With the 1-1 draw, Manchester City's bid for a seventh title under Guardiola was in vain, with the team settling for two FA Cups and the Carabao Cup this season, before the Premier League trophy was officially handed to Arsenal.
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