Man City rally late to beat Bournemouth 2-1
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Manchester City opened their home Premier League campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth, giving new manager Maresca a league victory in his first home match after the Guardiola era. The hosts trailed after Marcus Tavernier's first-half goal, but Marc Guehi levelled in the 84th minute before Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time winner was confirmed after a VAR review.
Key Points
- Haaland made his 200th Manchester City appearance with a new short haircut, but the striker failed to score in the milestone match despite several chances.
- Bournemouth took the lead in the 26th minute when Evanilson set up Marcus Tavernier on a quick counterattack after City had tried to control possession
- City introduced Mateo Kovacic and Rayan Cherki in the 63rd minute for Elliot Anderson and Nico O'Reilly as they pushed harder for an equaliser
- Marc Guehi headed in from a corner in the 84th minute to make it 1-1 after City had missed a series of second-half opportunities.
- Gvardiol then scored in stoppage time, and although the goal was initially ruled offside, VAR overturned the decision to seal City's 2-1 win
Why It Matters
The result gives Maresca an immediate lift as he begins life in charge under heavy pressure, with on.cc noting the win helped ease the mood after last week's heavy Community Shield defeat. For Hong Kong fans following the Premier League's opening rounds, it also showed City can still grind out points despite summer departures and a misfiring Haaland.