Manchester City’s impressive 32-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League was halted with a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, resulting in Liverpool overtaking them at the top of the standings.
The Cherries scored twice, with Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson finding the net either side of half-time, while Josko Gvardiol managed to score a consolation goal for City.
This defeat marked the first time Pep Guardiola's squad has lost in any competition this season, following their midweek exit from the League Cup against Tottenham, compounded by a series of injuries.
Guardiola had noted prior to the match that many players were competing despite being in discomfort, but Bournemouth, fresh off a victory against Arsenal in their previous home game, added to City's woes.
Semenyo opened the scoring in the ninth minute, capitalizing on a cross from Milos Kerkez. Evanilson doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark with another assist from Kerkez.
Gvardiol's powerful header from an Ilkay Gundogan cross brought City back into contention with eight minutes remaining. However, Erling Haaland missed a golden opportunity to equalize in stoppage time, hitting the post from close range.
As a result of this defeat, City now trails Liverpool by two points, who managed to secure a 2-1 comeback victory against Brighton at Anfield. Fortunately for City, their first league loss since December was somewhat mitigated by title rivals Arsenal also suffering a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.