Manchester City began the new Premier League season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, as Joško Gvardiol scored a 91st-minute winner to give new manager Enzo Maresca a winning league debut at the Etihad Stadium.
Bournemouth had threatened to spoil Maresca’s first Premier League match in charge after Marcus Tavernier opened the scoring. However, late goals from Marc Guéhi and Gvardiol completed City’s comeback and extended their dominant home league record against the Cherries.
Bournemouth Punish Slow-Starting City
Manchester City entered the match looking for a response after their 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. The hosts controlled possession early, with Phil Foden creating an opportunity for Rico Lewis before goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović intervened.
Nico O’Reilly also produced an energetic run and cross towards Erling Haaland, but City struggled to turn possession into clear chances.
Bournemouth were far more clinical. Rayan tested Gianluigi Donnarumma before combining in the move that eventually produced the opener. Evanilson delivered a first-time ball across the penalty area, allowing Marcus Tavernier to side-foot Bournemouth into the lead.
The visitors could have doubled their advantage before half-time, with Tavernier narrowly missing the target and Donnarumma denying Justin Kluivert.
Guéhi Sparks City’s Late Comeback
City increased the pressure after the restart but initially wasted their opportunities. Marc Guéhi missed a free header from close range, while Haaland struggled to make clean contact with several promising deliveries.
With Bournemouth seemingly heading towards a memorable opening-day victory, Guéhi finally made amends.
The defender was left unmarked and powered a bullet header into the net six minutes from time, drawing City level and transforming the atmosphere inside the Etihad.
Gvardiol Wins It in Stoppage Time
City was not finished.
In the 91st minute, Gvardiol timed his run perfectly before finishing to complete the turnaround. A VAR review followed, but the Croatian defender was confirmed onside and the goal stood.
The strike secured a 2-1 victory and handed Maresca three points in his first Premier League match as Manchester City manager.
It also extended City’s remarkable dominance over Bournemouth to 10 consecutive home league victories against the Cherries.
What the Result Means
The scoreline provided the perfect start for Maresca, even if City’s overall performance showed there is plenty of work ahead. The Cityzens lacked their usual cutting edge for long periods, but their ability to keep pushing until stoppage time ultimately proved decisive.
For Bournemouth and new manager Marco Rose, the defeat was particularly painful after an impressive display. The result also ended the Cherries’ 18-match unbeaten league run, which had previously stood at eight wins and 10 draws.
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Final Verdict
Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth may not have been the commanding opening performance Maresca wanted, but it demonstrated City’s ability to fight until the final whistle.
Bournemouth were minutes away from an impressive Etihad victory before Guéhi changed the momentum and Gvardiol delivered the decisive blow.
For Tanzanian Premier League followers, City’s dramatic comeback offers an early reminder that the new season could provide plenty of late twists, big moments and unpredictable results.
