De Bruyne a rung below Messi: Pep

De Bruyne, 25, was also the Man of the Match in City’s 2-1 win at derby rivals Manchester United on Sept 10, scoring their opening goal and helping tee up Iheanacho for what proved to be the victor.

“We are so lucky that we have Kevin de Bruyne with us”, Guardiola told reporters.

“(He is) aggressive without the ball but especially with the ball, it’s clear he sees absolutely everything.

Defending a free-kick one moment, passes from Iheanacho, Nolito, De Bruyne and Sterling exposed Bournemouth’s over-stretched defence and left Iheanacho to tap in his third goal of the campaign.

“We will lose games and we will make mistakes, but this is a process”.

Injury-plagued club captain Vincent Kompany was named among the substitutes as he nears a return from the groin problem that forced him out of EURO 2016.

“I think he’s a special player, an outstanding player”.

“Hopefully he can help us”. We need that humble attitude.

City won their Champions League game midweek 4-0 and Guardiola spoke about the importance of their victory last night, “The important thing is we won a game just a few days after a Champions League game”. We have to fight like a small team, then the quality of De Bruyne and Kelechi can make the difference.

England worldwide Jack Wilshere, starting only his second Premier League game in over 12 months after joining Bournemouth on loan from Arsenal, gave the ball away and then fouled Gundogan in trying to retrieve possession. They know what they are doing. I’m very happy because I know the quality of the team we have beat and that (Joshua) King is a quality striker. Hull played more than half the game with 10 men after Jake Livermore was sent off for two bookings, the second for a handball in the area that earned Arsenal a penalty. “I know how hard it will be”. “It’s the referee’s decision”.

And the 19-year-old while saluting his team’s commanding display against the Cherries, feels he is improving with the Citizens.

“I’ve seen their games against Manchester United and Borussia Monchengladbach, the way they’re topping the table is extremely commanding”, said Kimmich.