Picture Special

Gallery: Riyad fires City back on top

The best pictures from City's crucial Premier League trip to Bournemouth...

Manchester City moved back on top of the Premier League after a crucial 1-0 win away at Bournemouth.

Substitute Riyad Mahrez, who came on for the injured Kevin De Bruyne, was the Blues’ hero, ending the Cherries’ dogged resistance early in the second half with a close-range strike.

It proved a tough test for Pep Guardiola’s men with central defender John Stones also forced off early in the second half.

However, the vital victory means we move two points clear of Liverpool, who play tomorrow away at Merseyside rivals Everton.

View the best pictures from the game via our gallery below…

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CENTRE OF ATTENTION : The boss poses for a picture with some happy young Bournemouth fans prior to kick-off

CENTRE OF ATTENTION : The boss poses for a picture with some happy young Bournemouth fans prior to kick-off
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ALL SMILES : A fit-again John Stones and Raheem Sterling step out for City's pre-match warm-up

ALL SMILES : A fit-again John Stones and Raheem Sterling step out for City's pre-match warm-up
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CENTURY MAN : Ilkay Gundogan in the thick of the action on his 100th appearance for the Blues

CENTURY MAN : Ilkay Gundogan in the thick of the action on his 100th appearance for the Blues
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NO ENTRY : Nicolas Otamendi shuts the door on Bournemouth's Josh King

NO ENTRY : Nicolas Otamendi shuts the door on Bournemouth's Josh King
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ACTION STATIONS : Nathan Ake goes crashing as he fends off Sergio Aguero

ACTION STATIONS : Nathan Ake goes crashing as he fends off Sergio Aguero
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FALL GUY : Kyle Walker shows his strength to fend off Ryan Fraser who goes tumbling

FALL GUY : Kyle Walker shows his strength to fend off Ryan Fraser who goes tumbling
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ACROBAT : Nico takes to the air to execute a superb overhead kick - but his effort flew just over the bar

ACROBAT : Nico takes to the air to execute a superb overhead kick - but his effort flew just over the bar
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SOLID AS A ROCK : John Stones brushes off Josh King

SOLID AS A ROCK : John Stones brushes off Josh King
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WORRY : There was a blow for City when Kevin De Bruyne was forced off with what looked like a hamstring problem on the stroke of half-time.

WORRY : There was a blow for City when Kevin De Bruyne was forced off with what looked like a hamstring problem on the stroke of half-time.
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BLOW : The boss consoles Kevin De Bruyne after he was forced off

BLOW : The boss consoles Kevin De Bruyne after he was forced off
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CLOSE CALL : Cherries keeper Artur Boric dives to snuff out a Blues attack

CLOSE CALL : Cherries keeper Artur Boric dives to snuff out a Blues attack
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SUPER SUB : Riyad Mahrez breaks the deadlock with a close-range shot early in the second half

SUPER SUB : Riyad Mahrez breaks the deadlock with a close-range shot early in the second half
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SMILES BETTER : Pep Guardiola celebrates our opener with Mikel Arteta

SMILES BETTER : Pep Guardiola celebrates our opener with Mikel Arteta
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BLUE HEAVEN : Riyad Mahrez celebrates with his City team-mates after his crucial goal

BLUE HEAVEN : Riyad Mahrez celebrates with his City team-mates after his crucial goal
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STER CRAZY : Raheem almost doubles our lead with a rasping shot

STER CRAZY : Raheem almost doubles our lead with a rasping shot
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ALMOST... Bournemouth keeper Boruc just beats Raheem to the ball as City sweep forward in search of a second

ALMOST... Bournemouth keeper Boruc just beats Raheem to the ball as City sweep forward in search of a second