Manchester City Stage Dramatic Comeback to Beat Bournemouth in Maresca’s Premier League Debut

The visitors looked on course to claim a historic away victory after Marcus Tavernier put Bournemouth ahead in the first half, but City produced a late turnaround to secure all three points in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 season.

Tavernier broke the deadlock in the 26th minute after Bournemouth caught City's defence on the counter-attack. The hosts created opportunities in response but struggled to find a way past goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

Maresca turned to his substitutes in the second half, with Rayan Cherki making a decisive impact after being introduced. The French playmaker provided the creativity City had been missing and ultimately played a role in both goals.

City finally found their equaliser in the 84th minute when Marc Guehi powered a header into the net following a corner delivered by Cherki.

The comeback was completed in stoppage time. Cherki picked out Josko Gvardiol with a precise pass, allowing the Croatian defender to finish past Petrovic and send the Etihad into celebration.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision and confirmed Gvardiol's winner.

The result gives Maresca a winning start in his first Premier League match as Manchester City manager, although the performance exposed areas that will require improvement as the new boss attempts to implement his style.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, will feel hard done by after producing a disciplined performance for much of the contest. The defeat ended their remarkable 18-match unbeaten league run.

Cherki makes decisive impact

While Guehi and Gvardiol grabbed the headlines with their goals, Cherki emerged as one of the biggest positives for City.

The winger's introduction changed the momentum of the match, with his two assists directly contributing to the late comeback.

His performance could also strengthen his case for a starting role in Maresca's side as City continue adapting to life after Pep Guardiola.

For Maresca, the victory provides an important early boost. City showed resilience to recover from a difficult position, but the new manager will know that more consistent performances will be required as the season progresses.

For now, however, the Etihad has witnessed a winning beginning to a new era — with Cherki's creativity, Guehi's equaliser and Gvardiol's dramatic winner securing three valuable points for the hosts.