Manchester City snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener with two goals in the final minutes. Marc Guéhi and Josko Gvardiol scored in the 84th minute and second minute of stoppage time respectively to overturn a deficit and give new manager Enzo Maresca a winning start.
How did Manchester City win the match?
Bournemouth took a surprise lead in the 26th minute through Marcus Tavernier. Manchester City struggled to break down a resolute Cherries defense for much of the contest, with Erling Haaland missing a couple of great chances including a volley from close range. The game turned in the final six minutes. Center-back Marc Guéhi, playing further forward than usual, equalized in the 84th minute. Josko Gvardiol then headed home a winner deep into added time, with the goal confirmed only after a lengthy VAR check. The victory, reported by ESPN, means Manchester City start the season with a perfect six points from two games, scoring six goals and conceding two.
What was Enzo Maresca's debut like?
This was Enzo Maresca's first Premier League match in charge after replacing the legendary Pep Guardiola. His side was just six minutes away from beginning the league campaign with a defeat at the Etihad Stadium. The late comeback provided a stark contrast to the 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield. The win puts Manchester City three points clear of Brighton at the top of the standings. Maresca has overseen a squad in transition this summer, losing key figures like Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders while bringing in Elliot Anderson.
Why was Erling Haaland in the headlines?
Erling Haaland's new buzz cut hairstyle generated as much discussion as his missed chances. The striker, one of the most easily distinguishable sports stars in recent years because of his long hair, arrived at the stadium wearing a cap which he removed for the warm-up. His new look went viral on social media on Sunday. Former manager Pep Guardiola reacted by saying, "You're lucky to have hair. I would love to have it!" In a video on Haaland's YouTube channel, Zlatan Ibrahimovic asked if he had 'lost a bet', quipping, "You gonna be faster now, or what?"
What comes next for Manchester City?
The dramatic win provides momentum ahead of a busy period. Manchester City's next fixture is at home against Coventry on September 5th. Coventry currently sit 18th in the table, presenting another opportunity for Maresca's side to build on their strong start. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full fixtures list on our site. Maintaining this form will be important as the squad adapts to a new manager and integrates recent signings like Elliot Anderson, whose profile is available on the club's squad page.
