Late Goals Salvage 2-1 Win for Enzo Maresca in Man City Debut
Late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Manchester City against Bournemouth on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, marking a winning Premier League debut for manager Enzo Maresca. The result provides immediate relief for the club as supporters navigate a period of major squad upheaval following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
Bournemouth seized control in the 26th minute when Marcus Tavernier capitalized on static defending by Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov to stroke a composed finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma from six yards out, following an incisive cross from Evanilson. City struggled for attacking cohesion throughout much of the fixture, drawing early complaints from the stands. Erling Haaland squandered a close-range chance after receiving a cross from Nico O’Reilly, who was shifted closer to the attack in a curious starting line-up featuring six players classifiable as defenders.
The match turned when Maresca introduced French playmaker Rayan Cherki from the bench. The tactical adjustment paid off in the 84th minute when Guehi headed in City’s equalizer from a Phil Foden corner, making up for his earlier missed header from close range. Gvardiol then sealed the comeback by stroking in the winner during stoppage time.
Maresca takes charge following a decade under Guardiola, who claimed 20 trophies before stepping down. City enter the new campaign amid significant roster changes, with Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Tijjani Reijnders departing, while Savinho is set to join Tottenham. Midfielder Elliot Anderson remains the club’s only major arrival so far, though reports indicate City are poised to sign Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal valued at £86 million ($117 million). The narrow victory follows City’s 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
