Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth: Late Comeback Gives Maresca Winning Start
Manchester City began the 2026/27 Premier League season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, giving Enzo Maresca a winning start in his first league match in charge.
City controlled much of the game and created opportunities, but Bournemouth took the lead in the 26th minute through Marcus Tavernier. The visitors defended stubbornly as City looked for a way back into the match.
Late Manchester City comeback
City finally found the breakthrough in the 84th minute when substitute Rayan Cherki delivered a dangerous corner and Marc Guéhi headed home to make it 1-1.
The comeback was completed in stoppage time. Cherki was again involved, setting up Joško Gvardiol, who kept his composure to score the winning goal and complete a remarkable turnaround.
Winning start for Maresca
The result gives Maresca three points from his first Premier League match in charge of Manchester City. Bournemouth had appeared on course for an impressive point, but City’s sustained pressure eventually told.
For City, the performance underlined the importance of maintaining pressure until the final whistle. The late goals transformed what looked set to be a frustrating opening-day result into a winning start to the new campaign.
