Josko Gvardiol seals Manchester City comeback win over Bournemouth

Josko Gvardiol scored in the final seconds as Manchester City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 in their opening Premier League match and extend their unbeaten run against the south-coast side to five games.

Bournemouth took the lead through Marcus Tavernier, but Manchester City recovered after the interval with goals from Marc Guehi and Gvardiol to claim a dramatic victory.

The result continues Manchester City’s strong record against Bournemouth. Their last defeat by them came in November 2024, when Bournemouth won 2-1.

Erling Haaland failed to score in Manchester City’s opening Premier League fixture for the first time in his career. The Norway striker started the match but was unable to find a way past Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

Egypt international Omar Marmoush was an unused substitute. His future remains unresolved, with the possibility of staying at Manchester City or leaving for Tottenham still to be decided.

Ryan Cherki made a significant impact after coming on, creating both of Manchester City’s goals during a 30-minute appearance.

Bournemouth make fast start

Petrovic was called into action as early as the third minute, saving from Nico O’Reilly as Manchester City threatened to open the scoring.

Haaland then missed a clear opportunity in the 12th minute, with Petrovic again preventing the visitors from taking the lead.

Bournemouth responded with a chance of their own two minutes later. Gianluigi Donnarumma kept out Tavernier’s effort to preserve the scoreline.

The home side took the lead when Evanilson delivered an accurate cross for Tavernier, who finished into the Manchester City net to put Bournemouth ahead.

Haaland came close to an equaliser before half-time, but Petrovic produced another save to deny his powerful effort in the 39th minute.

Donnarumma was also required to protect Manchester City’s goal. He reacted well in the 42nd minute to stop Tavernier from scoring a second before the interval.

Late Manchester City comeback

Bournemouth continued to pose a threat after the break, with Antoine Semenyo testing the visiting goalkeeper with a powerful strike in the 67th minute. Petrovic also remained alert at the other end as Manchester City searched for a route back into the game.

The equaliser finally arrived in the 84th minute. Cherki sent over a precise cross which Marc Guehi met with a strong header to make it 1-1.

Manchester City then completed the turnaround in the closing seconds. Gvardiol appeared to have scored the decisive goal, but the referee initially ruled it out for offside. The decision was reviewed by the video assistant referee, who confirmed the goal and awarded Manchester City the win.

It gave Manchester City a thrilling victory in their first Premier League match of the season, despite Bournemouth having led for much of the contest.

Manchester City will host Crystal Palace in their second Premier League fixture on Friday, while Bournemouth travel to face Everton on Saturday.