Maresca makes winning start with Man City after dramatic fightback
Enzo Maresca secured a dramatic 2-1 victory in his first Premier League match as Manchester City manager following a late comeback against Bournemouth. Despite a lackluster performance and early deficit, goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol saved the result for the transitioning club.
Why it matters
The match marks the beginning of a high-stakes era for Manchester City as they attempt to maintain their dominance following the departure of long-time manager Pep Guardiola and several key players.
Manchester City made a winning start to life without Pep Guardiola as late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory against Bournemouth on Sunday (August 23, 2026) in Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game as the Spaniard’s replacement.
Marcus Tavernier’s first half goal put Bournemouth ahead at the Etihad Stadium before City staged a pulsating fightback in the final minutes.
Marc Guehi headed City’s equaliser with six minutes left before Gvardiol stroked in the stoppage-time winner.
Guardiola won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, during a glorious decade with City.
His reign started with a late win at home to Sunderland in 2016 and Maresca will hope his own narrow victory serves as the prelude to an equally successful spell.
Maresca insists he can replicate Guardiola’s trophy haul if he is given time to handle the “big changes” at the club.
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