- Enzo Maresca began his reign as Manchester City manager with a home Premier League match against Bournemouth
- Marcus Tavernier put the Cherries ahead in the first half, leaving Maresca’s City chasing the game at the Etihad
- Substitute Rayan Cherki played a decisive role in the second half as City fought to turn the result around
Enzo Maresca avoided an embarrassing start to life as Manchester City manager on Saturday, as his side recovered from going behind to beat Bournemouth in their opening Premier League fixture of the season.
The result was far from comfortable for Maresca, who took over from the long-serving former manager Pep Guardiola in the summer.
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City faced the very side that damaged their title challenge last season, and for much of the match, history appeared set to repeat itself at the Etihad Stadium.
Marcus Tavernier broke the deadlock for the Cherries in the first half, and City struggled to find a response until Maresca turned to his substitutes for inspiration.
Cherki influenced the game
As noted by ESPN, French attacker Rayan Cherki proved to be the difference after coming off the bench after the hour mark, a decision many fans questioned the manager for.
He laid on the assist for Marc Guehi to pull City level before teeing up Josko Gvardiol with the winning goal, securing all three points and sparing Maresca what would have been a damaging home defeat on his first Premier League appearance as City boss.
Maresca reacts to City win
Speaking to MCFC TV after the final whistle, Maresca described the occasion as a deeply satisfying one, despite the anxiety of the afternoon.
“It’s the perfect day, to be honest. I was very pleased when the game started and to see the banner on the other side,” he said.
“I was glad when it was over also, to give them the joy of the three points. It was quite emotional and the perfect day.”
One of the more notable aspects of Maresca’s approach was his decision to use Guehi, primarily a centre-back, in a midfield role. The City manager acknowledged the unconventional selection, framing it as part of a broader process of experimentation.
“This is a work in progress; that’s why I’m looking for new solutions like Guéhi as a midfielder,” he said.
City’s next assignment takes them to the capital, where they will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Supercomputer predicts Premier League winner
Legit.ng previously reported that Opta’s supercomputer predicted the Premier League winner ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Bournemouth.
The Citizens are currently predicted to have the second-highest chance of winning the league title, behind defending champions Arsenal.
Source: Legit.ng