Pep Guardiola: Bournemouth’s early form shows Premier League strength in depth

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes Bournemouth’s early season form shows the strength in depth of the Premier League.

Bournemouth head to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday two points above City in the table – sitting second, four points behind leaders Arsenal – after losing only one of their opening nine games.

With Sunderland also in the top four after a superb start following promotion, there is a fresh look to the top of the table to back up arguments that the concept of the so-called ‘big six’ is increasingly outdated.

“I remember when I was in Munich or Barcelona, I always heard the rumours that in England, everyone could beat everyone, I always had that sense,” Guardiola said.

“Maybe Liverpool and ourselves in the past changed that dynamic because we were so consistent in terms of points and arriving every season with 90, 90, 90 points, close to 100 points.

“But, I think the Premier League has always been like this, all the teams can beat each other, it is good.

“At some point like NBA, there is not a dominant team in the last four or five or six years, there is always one different team and everyone can beat everyone.

“I think for the spectator and for the show of the Premier League, it is really, really good.”

Four points clear at the top of the table