Manchester (UK), August 23 (ANI): Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over AFC Bournemouth in their Premier League opener as late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol helped Enzo Maresca begin his league tenure with a win at the Etihad Stadium.
Bournemouth took the lead in the 26th minute through Marcus Tavernier, who finished Evanilson’s cross to put the visitors ahead and leave City facing the possibility of back-to-back defeats after their 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
City struggled to find their rhythm after conceding, with Bournemouth threatening on the counter-attack. Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into action early, while Tavernier and Justin Kluivert missed opportunities to extend the visitors’ advantage before half-time.
The hosts improved after the break and came close to equalising through Marc Guehi, who headed wide from a promising position in the 51st minute. Erling Haaland also had chances but failed to convert as Bournemouth continued to hold their defensive shape.
City eventually found the breakthrough in the 84th minute when Guehi made amends for his earlier miss. The defender rose highest to meet Rayan Cherki’s corner and headed the ball into the net to level the score.
The comeback was completed in stoppage time when Gvardiol converted another Cherki-created opportunity. The Croatian defender received a defence-splitting pass from the substitute and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner after a VAR review confirmed the goal.
The victory moved Manchester City to seventh place in the Premier League standings, while Bournemouth were left disappointed after holding the lead for much of the contest.
The result marked a winning start for Maresca in his first Premier League match in charge of City following the departure of long-time manager Pep Guardiola. (ANI)
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Manchester City begin Premier League campaign with 2-1 comeback victory against Bournemouth
