--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-08-24T04:09:51.552Z last_updated: 2026-08-23T23:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/bournemouth/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYm91cm5lbW91dGhlY2hvLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0LzI2NDg4NTU5LmZpdmUtdGhpbmdzLWxlYXJuZWQtbWFuLWNpdHktMi0xLWFmYy1ib3VybmVtb3V0aC8_cmVmPXJzcw --- # Five things we learned as Cherries start Rose era with gutting late defeat at City - **Source:** - **Published:** 23 Aug - **Club:** Bournemouth - **Original URL:** https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/26488559.five-things-learned-man-city-2-1-afc-bournemouth/?ref=rss It was a frustrating end to a game where Bournemouth looked set to claim their first point or three away at City in the Premier League, after a good first-half performance put them in a strong position. But Marco Rose’s side were beaten in his first competitive game in charge – here are five things we learned from Sunday’s defeat. Cherries suffer late heartbreak to start Rose reign with opening defeat at Man City Cherries 'too passive' in defence for goals at City as Rose felt team 'had momentum' Evanilson looked influential and his partnership with Justin Kluivert looks good A duo who saw plenty of success two seasons ago could prove to be a potent weapon for Rose this season. Evanilson’s link-up play was as excellent as ever, and he provided a superb assist with a brilliant cross for Marcus Tavernier to score in the first half. He combined well with Kluivert, who looks to be sharp and back to his best – this 9/10 pairing did well for Bournemouth in the 2024/25 season and it could once again prove to be key for the Cherries this term. Manchester City's Marc Guehi (second right) celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire) Set pieces a problem Bournemouth struggled with set pieces at both ends of the pitch. There will be plenty for new set-piece coach Nicolas Gagnon to work on but the priority must be tightening up defensively. Marc Guehi got free headers twice from corners and, while he should have scored the first early in the second half, he made no mistake with the second. Nico O’Reilly also managed to get a free header from a corner in the first half, and the marking system needs to be tightened; otherwise, the set-piece problems from previous seasons may once again haunt Bournemouth. (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire) Adam Smith impresses against Semenyo The veteran dealt with his former teammate Antoine Semenyo very well during the game, and kept him largely quiet. When he was beaten, he showed superb determination to track back and continue to harry the Ghanaian, meaning he was not as influential as he might have been. Rayan seems to have developed the defensive side of his game under Andoni Iraola and now Marco Rose in the eight months since he joined the club, and he gave Smith some good help. But Smith continues to perform at a good level and will once again be important this season, whether off the bench, as a squad player, or starting as he did today. (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire) Antonio Silva catches the eye on debut Silva’s debut was excellent and the Portuguese looks like he’ll take no time at all to get up to speed in the Premier League. He looked to be good in the air and in ground duels, putting his body on the line to block shots and defend the box. We’ve seen how good his passing range is, too, so he looks set to become a key figure for Bournemouth this term after his summer arrival. Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier (right) battles for the ball with Manchester City's Marc Guehi (centre) and Abdukodir Khusanov (left) during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire) Encouraging signs for Rose, but he has to learn from second-half approach It was, all in all, a good performance at the Etihad. Perhaps coming away so disappointed in a defeat at Manchester City shows just how good Bournemouth as a team have become, but the reality is that the Cherries had City where they wanted them. They could have been further ahead, but they were too passive in the second half and did not seem to have the endeavour they did in the first to take the game to their hosts. Rose admitted they need to continue with the same intensity throughout the game and to the final whistle, and not be so passive – and that is something they must do in weeks to come.