Maresca’s Manchester City survive Bournemouth scare on Premier League opening day

Manchester City began Enzo Maresca’s reign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth, scoring twice in the final five minutes to overturn a late deficit at the Etihad Stadium.

AFC Bournemouth looked set to claim all three points after Marcus Tavernier put the visitors ahead in the 26th minute. He met a low cross inside the Manchester City penalty area and struck a powerful left-footed shot beyond the goalkeeper.

Manchester City pressed for an equaliser but were forced to wait until the 85th minute before they finally restored parity. Rayan Cherki delivered a corner into the area, where Marc Guehi rose above the defence to send a forceful header into the net.

The hosts continued to push for a winner rather than settling for a point, and their persistence was rewarded in the first minute of added time.

Cherki produced another decisive contribution when his superb pass split the AFC Bournemouth defence and found Josko Gvardiol. The defender kept his finish low, sending the ball to the right of the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner to complete the turnaround.

The result gave Manchester City their first three points of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. AFC Bournemouth left the Etihad Stadium empty-handed despite leading for most of the match and remaining in front until the closing stages.

Video clips shared during the game showed Tavernier opening the scoring for AFC Bournemouth, Guehi heading Manchester City level and Gvardiol completing the late comeback.

The match marked the opening chapter of Maresca’s tenure at Manchester City, with his side required to recover from a difficult position before securing victory in front of their home supporters.

Brighton & Hove Albion make perfect start

Elsewhere in the opening round of Premier League fixtures, Brighton & Hove Albion produced the most emphatic result of the day by beating Aston Villa 4-0 at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton & Hove Albion took the lead after only eight minutes when Aston Villa defender Victor Lindelof turned the ball into his own net.

The home side doubled their advantage in the 18th minute through Maxim De Cuyper, leaving Aston Villa with a significant challenge before the interval.

That challenge became even greater three minutes later. Jack Hinshelwood scored Brighton & Hove Albion’s third goal in the 21st minute, and he completed his personal double in the 30th minute to make it 4-0.

The four goals arrived within the opening half-hour, with Brighton & Hove Albion securing a commanding victory in their first match of the new season.

The result contrasted sharply with the late drama at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City had to wait until the final stages to turn defeat into victory. AFC Bournemouth, by comparison, surrendered their lead despite remaining ahead until the 85th minute.

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