Manchester City began the post-Pep Guardiola era with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, giving new manager Enzo Maresca a winning start in his first Premier League match in charge.
City appeared set for a disappointing opening-day defeat after Marcus Tavernier put Bournemouth ahead in the first half.
However, the hosts produced a late comeback, with Marc Guehi heading home the equaliser with six minutes remaining before Josko Gvardiol struck in stoppage time to complete a dramatic turnaround.
Late Fightback Saves City
City struggled to find their rhythm for much of the match, with Bournemouth frustrating the hosts and exposing weaknesses at both ends of the pitch.
The result looked increasingly likely to go against Maresca until Guehi’s late header changed the momentum.
Gvardiol then delivered the decisive moment in added time, firing City ahead and sparking celebrations inside the Etihad.
The victory will provide Maresca with some relief after a difficult opening to his tenure.
Huge Challenge After Guardiola
Guardiola’s decade-long reign at Manchester City produced 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles.
His departure has left Maresca with the enormous task of maintaining City’s position among English football’s elite.
Maresca has said he believes he can match Guardiola’s trophy haul if he is given sufficient time to oversee major changes at the club.
City’s opening-day victory was particularly important after their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield raised questions about whether they could challenge the Premier League champions this season.
Major Changes at Manchester City
The club has undergone significant changes during the summer, with several experienced players reportedly leaving.
Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders are among those no longer part of the squad, while Savinho is also expected to join Tottenham.
England midfielder Elliot Anderson, one of Maresca’s major additions, struggled to make a significant impact against Bournemouth before being forced off with an injury.
Reports also indicate that City are closing in on teenage Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal reportedly worth around £86 million ($117 million).
More Signings Expected
Despite the dramatic victory, City’s performance highlighted areas that Maresca may need to strengthen.
The new manager will be hoping for additional reinforcements as he attempts to rebuild the squad and close the gap on Arsenal.
For now, however, the late goals from Guehi and Gvardiol have given Maresca the perfect result — even if the performance suggested there is still plenty of work to do at Manchester City.
