By Lori Ewing
HT Picture
MANCHESTER, England -Manchester Metropolis gave Kevin De Bruyne a victory in his remaining look at Etihad Stadium, as Omar Marmoush scored a stunner in a 3-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Tuesday that noticed them climb to 3rd within the desk.
Metropolis have 68 factors with one recreation remaining, two factors above Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa within the nervy chase for a top-five end and Champions League qualification. Bournemouth are eleventh, with the loss ending their possibilities of enjoying European soccer subsequent season.
Each side completed the sport with 10 males after Metropolis’s Mateo Kovacic was proven a crimson card within the 67th minute for pulling again Evanilson when he was via on objective, adopted by Lewis Cook dinner for the guests within the 73rd for his reckless problem on Nico Gonzalez.
Metropolis had been on the entrance foot from the primary whistle and Marmoush scored within the 14th minute when he drifted ahead earlier than unleashing a scorcher from 30 yards out that dipped simply contained in the top-left nook.
Bernardo Silva doubled their lead within the thirty eighth when Ilkay Gundogan minimize the ball again for the Portuguese who slotted it in on the close to publish and Gonzalez struck within the 89th with a run from deep earlier than whipping the ball previous goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Daniel Jebbison pulled one again for Bournemouth seconds earlier than the ultimate whistle when he pounced on a careless go to Ruben Dias earlier than slotting the ball via goalkeeper Ederson’s legs.
The guests had squandered a terrific likelihood to equalise on the break within the first half, however a stretching Evanilson hit Marcus Tavernier’s cross off the upright.
“The beginning of the game, you could see straight away they started with a lot of intensity,” Bournemouth supervisor Andoni Iraola mentioned. “They scored probably one of their best goals of the season and it cost us.”
Metropolis midfielder Rodri noticed his first motion in eight months as a late substitute, coming into the sport to a standing ovation. The 2024 Ballon D’Or winner had not performed since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in September.
‘UNBELIEVABLE RIDE’
The night time, nevertheless, belonged to captain De Bruyne, who performed an emotional remaining residence recreation after an illustrious 10-year profession for Metropolis.
” a bit weird. It’s been an unbelievable ride,” he mentioned. “I want to bring joy to people, play offensive football, creative, that is what I am on the pitch and I want to have fun. It was a joy working really hard and creating something for this club. I’m super proud.”
The one factor lacking was a objective for the Belgian, who had a ridiculous first-half miss, hammering Marmoush’s cross off the underside of the crossbar from shut vary after which holding his head in disbelief.
“It’s terrible,” De Bruyne mentioned of the miss. “There’s no excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today.”
De Bruyne hugged his teammates when he was subbed off to a standing ovation within the 69th minute. Accompanied by his household, he was feted with a post-game guard of honour from the Metropolis gamers and workers because the followers chanted “Oh Kevin De Bruyne!”
“To have almost a full stadium supporting my family and me says everything,” De Bruyne mentioned. “Who can have 50,000 people waiting for you to say goodbye? It’s indescribable.”
The membership introduced they’ll erect a statue of him exterior the stadium.
“It means I will always be part of this club.”
De Bruyne has lifted 16 trophies since becoming a member of Metropolis in 2015 — a haul that features six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023.
Thought to be one of many league’s best ever midfielders, the Belgian was central to Metropolis’s success however has struggled with accidents in current seasons. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old admitted to a “little bit ” that he was not provided a brand new contract by Metropolis, and has mentioned he believes he can nonetheless play within the Premier League.
Metropolis followers confirmed their appreciation by unfurling a big “King Kev” banner. Numerous quantity 17 shirts dotted the group and a few followers had their faces painted with “KDB”.