Enzo Maresca's first Manchester City match ended in a 2-1 home win over Bournemouth, but only after two late goals spared the Italian an embarrassing defeat. For more than 84 minutes, City looked destined to lose, raising immediate questions about Maresca's ability to replace Pep Guardiola.
Late double turns the tide
Marc Guehi's deflected header from a Rayan Cherki corner levelled the scores, before Cherki's clever pass allowed Josko Gvardiol to snatch the winner in stoppage time. The result gave Maresca his first positive result, though it was hard-earned.
Bournemouth had taken the lead before half time through Marcus Tavernier, silencing the Etihad. Despite dominating possession, City created little, with Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi missing clear chances.
Unorthodox line-up and early pressure
Fresh from a Community Shield thrashing by Arsenal, City began their league campaign knowing the visit of Bournemouth carried extra significance. Maresca selected two stars in unorthodox positions, with Guehi as a defensive midfielder and Nico O'Reilly in the No.10 role. Visiting boss Marco Rose handed a debut to Antonio Silva following his arrival from Benfica.
City started strongly, with Haaland creating a chance for Rico Lewis, whose shot was saved by Dorde Petrovic. O'Reilly headed onto the roof of the net from the resulting corner, and Phil Foden had a shot blocked. Haaland then fluffed a cross from O'Reilly after the England international had charged half the length of the field.
Bournemouth strike and City wobble
On 26 minutes, Bournemouth went ahead with their first real attack. City failed to deal with a long ball forward, allowing Rayan to turn and pick out Evanilson, whose cross Tavernier converted at the back post. Gvardiol made a crucial interception to stop Rayan having a clear run on goal, while Petrovic saved a Haaland header. Tavernier curled a strike just wide, and Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Justin Kluivert.
A rumpus on the stroke of half time summed up City's frustrations, which worsened when Guehi missed a sitter from close range. He made amends with the equaliser five minutes from time, before Gvardiol completed the fightback. The result suggests a potentially long season for Maresca, provided he survives to the end of it.
