Manchester City produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol scoring in the final stages to give Enzo Maresca a winning Premier League debut at home.
Bournemouth looked set to secure a famous victory after Marcus Tavernier put the visitors ahead in the first half, but City turned the game around late on. Guehi headed in an equaliser before Gvardiol struck in stoppage time to complete a comeback that had looked unlikely for much of the afternoon.
The result marked Maresca’s first Premier League match at the Etihad since succeeding Pep Guardiola as Manchester City’s manager. The Italian had been appointed on a three-year contract after leaving Chelsea and returning to the club where he previously worked as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff.
City controlled much of the opening period but struggled to convert their possession into clear opportunities. Rico Lewis went close early after being played through by Phil Foden, only for Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to make the save.
Erling Haaland then narrowly missed the chance to turn another promising attack into an equaliser when Nico O’Reilly’s dangerous ball across the area evaded the City striker.
Bournemouth gradually found a way into the game and were rewarded in the 26th minute. Rayan Cherki’s fellow forward Evanilson delivered the final pass across the area, allowing Tavernier to arrive and side-foot the ball beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City continued to have the greater share of possession, but Bournemouth posed the more immediate threat before half-time. Tavernier curled another effort narrowly wide, while Donnarumma was forced into action to keep out Justin Kluivert.
The visitors went into the interval with their lead intact, having frustrated a City side that had struggled to turn territorial control into goals.
Maresca’s team increased the pressure after the restart, with Haaland repeatedly involved around the Bournemouth penalty area. Marc Guehi also had a major opportunity but headed wide from close range when unmarked.
The former Chelsea defender would eventually make amends.
City’s substitutions added greater attacking momentum as Maresca looked for a way back into the match. Rayan Cherki was introduced in the second half and ultimately became an important figure in the comeback.
With six minutes of normal time remaining, Cherki delivered from a corner and Guehi rose to power a header into the net, bringing City level at 1-1.
The equaliser changed the momentum completely.
Bournemouth had defended for long periods and appeared capable of leaving Manchester with a point at worst, but City continued to push forward in search of a winner.
That winner arrived in the first minute of stoppage time.
Cherki was involved again as Gvardiol finished from close range to put City ahead. The goal initially faced an offside check, but VAR confirmed that the Croatian defender had remained onside, allowing the goal to stand.
The final whistle completed a remarkable turnaround for City and ended Bournemouth’s 18-match unbeaten league run, which had consisted of eight wins and 10 draws.
For Maresca, the three points provide an important start to his first Premier League campaign in charge of City, although the performance exposed areas that will require improvement. City had 66% possession and registered 13 shots to Bournemouth’s five, while their expected-goals figure was 2.36 compared with 0.63 for the visitors.
The victory also continued Manchester City’s strong home record against Bournemouth, with the Cherries still searching for their first Premier League win at the Etihad.
City will take the result but know the manner of the performance leaves Maresca with plenty to address as his new-look side continues adapting to life after Guardiola.
