This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
On a day when Manchester City's Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus was withdrawn from the squad with a hamstring problem, Sergio Aguero stepped up to the plate, scoring a brace and helping his team secure a 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on August 25, 2019.
David Silva, playing in his 400th game for Manchester City, was instrumental in the win, playing a role in all three goals. His contribution was particularly notable, as he marked his last season at the Etihad Stadium with a display that underlined how much he will be missed.
City's first half efforts from Aguero and Raheem Sterling ensured they led at the interval, despite a stunning free-kick reply from Bournemouth's Harry Wilson. Aguero wrapped up City's second Premier League victory of the season with his second goal of the game after half-time.
For the 15th minute opening goal, Silva operated as the fulcrum towards the start of the move, finding Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left, who then drilled in the low cross that eventually led to Aguero's finish.
City maintained control of the game, despite Bournemouth's positive start, which included Josh King testing Ederson in the first minute. Aguero's predatory finishing was the perfect tonic for City, who were initially unsettled by Bournemouth's anxious start.
However, City's defense was uncharacteristically shaky, with Ederson earning a yellow card for a crude, waist-high challenge on Callum Wilson. Aguero's strike ended Bournemouth's bright opening, with the forward reacting first after Kevin De Bruyne miscued from Zinchenko's shot.
