By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK , August 23, 2026 - Manchester City began the Enzo Maresca era at the Etihad Stadium with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth, but the result was far more difficult than many expected.
City fell behind to Marcus Tavernier's 26th-minute goal before Marc Guéhi equalised in the 85th minute. The comeback was completed deep into stoppage time when Joško Gvardiol scored the winner, sending the home supporters into wild celebrations.
The victory gives Maresca three Premier League points from his first home league match as Manchester City manager, although the performance exposed several issues the new boss still needs to solve.
Manchester City started brightly and created opportunities through Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, but Bournemouth proved dangerous whenever they won possession.
The visitors took the lead in the 26th minute when Tavernier capitalised on an opening in the City defence. His finish put Marco Rose's Bournemouth ahead and forced Maresca's side to chase the game.
City controlled large periods of possession but struggled to turn that dominance into clear-cut chances. The lack of a natural defensive midfielder was particularly noticeable, with Maresca surprisingly deploying Guéhi in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson.
That tactical experiment reflected City's current midfield situation following the departure of Rodri, while Tijjani Reijnders has also left the club.
With time running out, City finally found their equaliser.
Guéhi, playing an unusual midfield role, moved into the box and headed home from a Rayan Cherki corner in the 85th minute. It was a huge moment for the summer signing, who demonstrated his importance at both ends of the pitch.
Cherki was one of City's most influential attacking players throughout the contest, providing the delivery for Guéhi's equaliser and playing a key role in the late attacking pressure.
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City refused to settle for a point.
Deep into stoppage time, Joško Gvardiol found the decisive goal, completing an extraordinary comeback and giving Maresca his first Premier League home victory.
The Croatian defender had earlier thought he had scored, only for VAR to rule out an effort for offside. He eventually got his goal when it mattered, turning what looked like a disappointing afternoon into a memorable one for City.
Despite the victory, the match highlighted City's transitional problems.
Maresca has inherited a squad undergoing significant change after Pep Guardiola's departure. Rodri has moved to Barcelona, Bernardo Silva has left, and Reijnders has joined Al-Qadsiah.
City have responded by investing heavily, including the arrival of Elliot Anderson and the agreement to sign teenage Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The need for midfield reinforcement was evident against Bournemouth, with Guéhi's deployment underlining the shortage of natural options in the position.
For Bournemouth, the defeat will be particularly frustrating. They were only minutes away from securing a famous point, having defended well and caused City problems on the counterattack.
For Manchester City, however, the most important thing is that they eventually found a way to win.