Premier League
Cherries don't even fire blanks. Unwanted Premier League first
Manchester City might have only won 1-0 at Bournemouth on Saturday but their dominance was made clear by an incredible statistic.
Bournemouth set an unwanted Premier League record in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday as they failed to register a single shot over the course of the 90 minutes.
No shots shame for Howe
Substitute Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal 10 minutes into the second half but it proved a tough outing for Eddie Howe's men.
Since Opta began collecting the relevant data in the 2003-04 season, no home side had ever failed to produce a shot during a Premier League game.
It was the first time, home or away, that the Cherries had not managed a goal attempt in England's top flight, while they also failed to win a corner and defended 14 from City.
Bournemouth were restricted to 17.9 per cent possession – their lowest figure in the Premier League and way down on their average in the competition of 48.9 per cent.
"It was a tough game. We didn't have the ball," said Howe, who nevertheless was happy with the application his players showed on the back of a 5-1 midweek defeat at Arsenal.
"It pains me to say it because we want the ball, but even the most optimistic among us on the coaching staff knew we wouldn't have the ball.
"The goal is a difficult one for us to take because it’s not a thing of beauty, but I'm proud of the players."
Howe added: "It's very unlike us not to create a chance but that's credit to Manchester City - that's what they do, they strangle you with the ball."