- Josko Gvardiol broke free in the box during injury time to seal a dramatic comeback for Manchester City on the opening Premier League weekend
- Marc Guéhi headed in an 85th-minute equaliser after Marcus Tavernier had given Bournemouth the lead before the half-hour mark
- Enzo Maresca claimed his first Premier League win as City manager while Erling Haaland made his 200th appearance for the club
Manchester City claimed a dramatic Premier League opening-day victory on Saturday, overturning a deficit in the final minutes to defeat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead before the half-hour mark, capitalising on space inside the area to fire home the visitors’ first real opportunity of the match.
Source: Getty Images
Man City dominated large spells of the game but struggled to convert, with Erling Haaland spurning several chances and Djordje Petrovic producing a string of saves for Bournemouth, per BBC Sport.
The hosts finally drew level in the 85th minute when Marc Guéhi atoned for an earlier miss, powering a header past Petrovic from a corner to make it 1-1.
Five minutes into stoppage time, Josko Gvardiol settled the contest, slipping the ball into the bottom corner after breaking free in the Bournemouth box.
The goal was initially disallowed for offside before VAR cleared it to stand.
Gvardiol speaks after dramatic Man City win
Gvardiol spoke to Sky Sports after the final whistle, reflecting on the significance of the result.
“Everyone is proud in the moment, it’s the opening game of the season and we know how important it is, especially with all the changes we’ve had in the previous weeks. We need to enjoy this, we deserve it and I’m happy with the three points,” Gvardiol said.
On the tension surrounding his goal, he added:
“To be fair, I was quite sure I was onside, but it’s difficult, in that moment you are just waiting to see the referee’s reaction. I am glad in the end it’s a goal.”
Gvardiol also turned his attention to City’s next fixture, saying: “Every game is important, especially here in England. I would say the most important thing is that we won today. There is another game, Crystal Palace away, which is going to be difficult as well.”
Maresca makes his mark as Man City coach
The win was Enzo Maresca’s first as Man City manager in the Premier League, coming a week after his side were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal in the Community Shield.
He made two changes to the starting XI from that defeat, bringing in Rico Lewis and Guéhi for Jérémy Doku and Mateo Kovacic.
Haaland’s appearance marked his 200th for the club.
Jack Grealish was introduced late in the second half for his first Premier League appearance in a Man City shirt since May 2025, while Mateo Kovacic also returned from the bench after Elliot Anderson picked up an injury around the hour mark.
For Bournemouth, it was Marco Rose’s competitive debut in charge, with summer signing António Silva the only new arrival in the starting line-up.
Man City lose Community Shield title
Earlier, Legit.ng reported Arsenal delivered a commanding statement on the opening weekend of the 2026/27 football season, defeating Manchester City 3-0 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday, August 16, to lift the Community Shield and claim their 18th title in the competition.
The victory was wrapped up almost before Man City had time to settle.
Source: Legit.ng