Manchester City kicked off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign today with an absolute shocker, digging deep for a 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. It was Marc Guehi in the 84th minute, then Josko Gvardiol in the 91st minute, who flipped the script completely after Bournemouth had held the lead for what felt like forever. Marcus Tavernier had given Marco Rose’s side the lead in the 26th minute, and honestly, for long stretches it just felt like it wasn’t City’s day.
Maresca’s Bold Opening Gambits
The new era under Enzo Maresca definitely started with some head-scratchers. Maresca had already tinkered with the starting lineup from their FA Community Shield loss to Arsenal. Everyone expected Elliot Anderson, Rico Lewis, and Nico O’Reilly to anchor the midfield, with Mateo Kovacic on the bench. Phil Foden was set for the right wing, Antoine Semenyo on the left, and Erling Haaland up front. The back four seemed like Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol. But right from kickoff, things were different. Guehi actually lined up in midfield, with Lewis slotting in at right-back. This move by Maresca was a clear sign he wanted more solidity in the middle.
Chances Missed, Bournemouth Holds Tight
City came out hot, creating the first real chance in the third minute. Josko Gvardiol made a sweet play from his own half, feeding Erling Haaland, who drove at the Bournemouth defense. He slipped the ball to Phil Foden, who then dropped a beautiful back-heel to set Rico Lewis up six yards out. Bournemouth’s keeper, Đorđe Petrovic, smothered the shot cold. That fast start only lasted about ten minutes. Marco Rose’s Bournemouth side then settled in, enjoying their first prolonged spell of possession. They didn’t create any real danger, but they showed they were in the game. Nico O’Reilly made a surge down the left in the 13th minute, delivering a superb dinked ball to Haaland, who arrived unmarked. It was an awkward area, though, and Haaland couldn’t get an effort on target, failing to either head it or swing his foot. A minute later, Gvardiol coughed up possession, and frustration definitely built.
Pure Drama: The Late, Late Show
With the clock ticking down and Bournemouth still holding that 1-0 lead, the comeback seemed impossible. But this is Man City! In the 84th minute, Rayan Cherki whipped in a corner, and Marc Guehi rose like a boss, heading it home for the equalizer. The Etihad erupted. Then, in the 91st minute, pure magic. Cherki again, setting up Josko Gvardiol for the winning goal. Clutch! This ensured Maresca’s new era started with a win. You’ve gotta love a team that fights to the very end like that.
That wild finish to kick off the Premier League season is exactly the gritty performance Maresca needed to get things rolling. What a way to start the campaign, snatching three points when it looked like one was out of reach. It sets a serious tone for the battles ahead.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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