Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Manchester City Rally Late to Beat Bournemouth Under Maresca
Manchester City played Bournemouth in Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League match as manager.
Bournemouth scored first through Marcus Tavernier in the opening half.
City struggled to create clear chances and made defensive mistakes.
Marc Guehi scored a late header to make the score 1-1.
Substitute Rayan Cherki helped create that goal with a corner.
Cherki then passed to Josko Gvardiol, who scored in stoppage time.
A video review confirmed that the winning goal was onside.
City won, but some supporters and observers were still worried about the team’s performance.
Maresca said he needs time to manage major changes at the club.
Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth a first-half lead at the Etihad Stadium.
Marc Guehi equalised for Manchester City with an 84th-minute header from a corner.
Josko Gvardiol scored the stoppage-time winner after a pass from substitute Rayan Cherki.
The match was Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game as Pep Guardiola’s replacement.
City’s late comeback eased pressure, but their attack, defence and squad depth remain concerns.
- Who
- Manchester City, managed by Enzo Maresca, played Bournemouth.
- What
- Manchester City came from behind to win 2-1.
- When
- Sunday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
- Why
- It was Manchester City’s first Premier League match under Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola.
Reasons for Optimism
Reasons for Concern
Maresca’s start
Reasons for Optimism
The late victory gave Maresca relief and provided a winning beginning to his Premier League reign.
Reasons for Concern
Supporters complained about the style of play, and City again appeared short of attacking inspiration and defensive cohesion.
Meaning of the comeback
Reasons for Optimism
City showed resilience by scoring twice late and finding a way to win after trailing for most of the match.
Reasons for Concern
Needing two late goals after an underwhelming performance suggested that significant problems remain.
Squad rebuilding
Reasons for Optimism
The reported pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi could add another major player to the squad.
Reasons for Concern
The reported departures of several players and the limited number of major signings led to calls for more recruits to close the gap on Arsenal.
- Final score
- Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth
- Opening goal
- Marcus Tavernier scored for Bournemouth in the first half.
- Equaliser
- Marc Guehi headed in from a corner in the 84th minute.
- Winning goal
- Josko Gvardiol scored in stoppage time after Rayan Cherki’s pass.
- Video review
- Gvardiol’s goal was initially ruled offside before being awarded after review.
- Managerial context
- The match marked Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game as Pep Guardiola’s replacement.
- Previous result
- City had lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield the previous weekend.
- Reported transfer
- City were reportedly set to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £86 million, or $117 million.
