Maresca’s City Stages Late Comeback to Beat Bournemouth

On August 23, Manchester City opened the 2026-27 Premier League season at the Etihad against Bournemouth. Marcus Tavernier gave the visitors the lead in the 26th minute. City dominated possession but could not reply until the 84th minute, when centre-back Marc Guehi, playing as a holding midfielder, headed home a corner from Rayan Cherki. Six minutes later Cherki’s assist set up Josko Gvardiol, who scored the stoppage-time winner after a VAR review overturned an off-side call. The match ended 2-1 to City, delivering Enzo Maresca his first Premier League victory as Pep Guardiola’s successor.

Man City 2-1 Bournemouth: Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol rescue victory for Enzo Maresca in first Premier League outing ReutersESPNESPN

With Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones gone over the summer, Maresca moved England defender Marc Guehi into central midfield alongside new signing Elliot Anderson. Guehi said the idea came from Maresca and that teammates gave him “a lot of help” while adapting.

ESPN

• Shots: City 13, Bournemouth 5.

Sports Illustrated

• Possession: City held the ball for the majority of the match.

ESPN

• Goal timings: Guehi’s header – 84th minute; Gvardiol’s winner – 91st minute (stoppage time).

Man City 2-1 Bournemouth (23 Aug, 2026) Game Analysis

• Erling Haaland, despite a new buzz cut, recorded no shots on target.

Man City 2-1 Bournemouth (23 Aug, 2026) Game Analysis

Maresca praised the team’s resilience, noting the “spirit was fantastic” and that the win gave fans “the joy of three points.” He highlighted the need for “different solutions” as the squad integrates World Cup returnees. Bournemouth manager Marco Rose, who had guided his side to an 18-match unbeaten run before the defeat, called the loss “unlucky on the details” and stressed better defending of set-pieces.

The Guardian

• “It is the perfect day, to be honest,” — Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager.

Associated Press

• “The impact was unbelievable, he is that kind of player,” — Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager (referring to Rayan Cherki).

Maresca praises 'unbelievable' Cherki's impact in

• “Unfortunately, this is a work in progress,” — Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager.

Man City 2-1 Bournemouth: Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol rescue victory for Enzo Maresca in first Premier League outing

• “The game lasts 90 minutes. At the end it's about details. We lost the game on details. It's never done here.” — Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager.

ESPN

• “It was probably the best fixture to happen for the first game of the season after what happened,” — Andoni Iraola, new Liverpool manager.

Reuters

City’s transfer window remains open, with Maresca indicating “one more week” for further signings, including a reported €100 million deal for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Bournemouth will look to rebuild and restore their unbeaten run in the next match.

ESPN