Manchester City Open the Maresca Era with a Dramatic Late Win Over Bournemouth
Premier League 2026-27 — Matchday 1 | Etihad Stadium
Manchester City began life after Pep Guardiola with a thrilling 2-1 win over visiting Bournemouth, rallying from behind in the closing minutes of Enzo Maresca's first competitive game in charge to snatch all three points after looking set for a chastening defeat.
A Rocky Start and an Early Shock
Bournemouth arrived at the Etihad full of confidence under new manager Marco Rose, who succeeded Andoni Iraola after his move to Liverpool, and the Cherries imposed their pressing game from the first whistle. Marcus Tavernier put the visitors ahead in the 26th minute, a lead thoroughly deserved on the back of a well-organised first-half display.
City, still smarting from a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal just a week earlier, looked sluggish and short of match sharpness something Maresca later attributed to several key players, including Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, Anderson and O'Reilly, having joined pre-season training only ten days before the game, creating what he called a "huge difference in terms of physicality" against a fully prepared opponent.
Guehi Levels It, Cherki Changes the Game
City refused to fold. Maresca turned to the bench, introducing young Frenchman Rayan Cherki, who made an immediate impact and had a direct hand in both of his side's goals. From a corner delivered by Cherki, summer signing Marc Guehi — the £20m arrival from Crystal Palace — rose to head City level in the 84th minute.
Before Bournemouth could regroup, Josko Gvardiol settled the match in the first minute of stoppage time, calmly slotting home from another Cherki assist. The goal was initially flagged for offside before being awarded following a VAR review, sending the Etihad into raptures and Maresca himself into a touchline celebration.
Maresca: "Still a Work in Progress"
The Italian coach was relieved with the result but measured about the performance. "To be honest, I feel in the same position we were after Arsenal," he said afterward, pointing to the shortcomings that persisted despite the win. He added: "This is a work in progress, that's why I am looking for new solutions like Marc Guehi as a midfielder, different things" — a clear nod to the tactical experimentation he has begun since replacing Guardiola this summer.
The Numbers
The win carries real significance for City's first steps into the post-Guardiola era: it extended their perfect home record against Bournemouth to ten wins from ten meetings at the Etihad across all competitions. Bournemouth, who finished sixth last season and secured a Europa League spot, will be disappointed despite a strong showing in Rose's first game in the dugout, leaving open the question of whether they can compete with the league's elite over a full campaign.
With this result, Manchester City launch Enzo Maresca's new project with three valuable points, while Bournemouth look to their next match for a first points haul of the season after a painful start that arguably deserved more.
Final Score: Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth Goalscorers: Marcus Tavernier (26') for Bournemouth | Marc Guehi (84'), Josko Gvardiol (90+1') for Manchester City Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Edited by: Dr. Talal Othman
