Gvardiol's Stoppage-Time Winner Gives Maresca Winning Man City Debut

Manchester City produced a dramatic late fightback to snatch a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, handing new head coach Enzo Maresca a winning start in his first Premier League match since succeeding Pep Guardiola.

Bournemouth, themselves under a new manager in Marco Rose, took a shock lead in the 26th minute through Marcus Tavernier, who slotted home at the back post to threaten a memorable opening-day upset. City created plenty of chances throughout, with Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo all going close, but couldn't find a way through until deep into the second half.

The equaliser finally arrived six minutes from time when Marc Guehi rose to head home a Rayan Cherki corner, sparking hope of a City turnaround. That turnaround was completed a minute into stoppage time, when Josko Gvardiol latched onto another Cherki assist to fire home from close range. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a lengthy VAR check overturned the decision, sending the Etihad into raptures and completing a dramatic late win.

The result offers real relief for Maresca, whose first home game in charge threatened to end in disappointment against a well-organised Bournemouth side that had Rose five minutes away from becoming the first Bournemouth manager to win at the Etihad. Instead, City's pressure and resilience were rewarded at the death, giving the new boss the perfect start to life after Guardiola as the post-Pep era at City begins with a hard-fought three points.