Gvardiol strike caps dramatic City comeback in Premier League opener

On what was the first league outing for new City manager Ezo Maresca, Marcus Tavernier’s 26th minute strike had given the Cherries the lead.

However, City created no lack of opportunities with Erling Haaland, Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo all going close.

And our pressure and resilience was finally rewarded six minutes from time when Marc Guéhi rose to head home substitute Rayan Cherki’s inviting corner.

An afternoon to remember was then sealed a minute into stoppage time when Joško Gvardiol struck from close range, Cherki again the supplier.

Though the effort was initially ruled out for offside, a subsequent VAR check saw the goal allowed to cap a memorable first league game for Maresca and Co.

The match in brief

The visit of the Cherries didn’t only herald a new Premier League season but also the start of a fresh era with Enzo Maresca at the helm for his first league game as City boss.

A huge pre-match Tifo proclaiming Welcome Enzo set the tone with the game appropriately enough getting underway beneath glorious sunshine and a sky-blue Manchester backdrop.

It may have been a new scenario but there was welcome touch of familiarity as City tore into the visitors from the off, and it required a smart save from Dorde Petrovic to deny Rico Lewis just five minutes in.

City then had an even better opportunity on 14 minutes. Superb work from Nico O’Reilly saw him drive down the left flank and floated in a superb inviting ball for Ering Haaland.

However, on what was the Norwegian’s 200th City appearance, Haaland – sporting an eye-catching new buzz haircut – was unable to make proper connection with the goal gaping.

However, against the run of play it was the visitors who struck first through Marcus Tavernier on 26 minutes.

Rayan opened up a section of space for Evanilson on the right-hand side and the Brazilian delivered a pinpoint cross that evade the Blues’ defence and found Tavernier waiting at the back post to fire home.

City continued to press but the Cherries remained a real threat on the counter, and it needed a fine agile save from Gianluigi Donnarumma on the stroke of half time to deny Justin Kluivert after the Dutchman tried his luck from 15 yards out.

Six minutes after the restart City spurned another golden opportunity as the unmarked Guéhi could only head a superb Elliot Anderson corner wide of the target from six yards out.

With Maresca having ushered on Ryan Cherki, Mathues Nunes and Mateo Kovačić Cherries keeper Dorde Petrovic then produced a smart 67th minute save to deny former colleague Semenyo.

Donnurumma then earned his spurs at the other end, reacting smartly to keep out substitute Daniel Jebbison’s dangerous header.

City kept pressing and our endeavour was finally rewarded seven minutes from time through Guéhi.

The England defender - deployed in midfield by Maresca rose to head home Cherki’s corner and set up a grandstand finish.

And a minute into stoppage time the drama was complete Joško Gvardiol fired home Cherki’s through ball.

The referee assistant’s flag was up but after a lengthy VAR check the decision was overturned and the goal was allowed to cap a memorable comeback.

What a way for the Maresca era to get underway!

Teams

CITY XI: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias (C), Guéhi, Gvardiol, Lewis (Nunes 56), Anderson (Kovačić 63), O’Reilly (Cherki 63), Semenyo, Foden (Grealish 82), Haaland.

Subs: Rulli, Marmoush, Nico, Aït-Nouri, Reis.

BOURNEMOUTH XI: Petrovic, Smith (C), Hill, Silva, Truffert, Cook (Adams 75), Scott, Tavernier, Rayan (Gannon-Doak 89), Kluivert (Toth 75), Evanilson (Jebbison 75).

Subs: Dennis, Brooks, Diakite, Juanlu, Rodriguez

Attendance: 60,645.

Stat zone

Today’s line up was not only a first glimpse into the Enzo Maresca Premier League era – it also represented a landmark day for the Club.

With an average age of 25 years and 28 days, the starting line-up was City’s for the opening match of the Premier League since back at the outset of the 2008/09 season under Mark Hughes.

Level best

That goal from Guéhi capped what was an impressive all-round performance from the England international.

Pressed into midfield by Marecsa, he produced a composed and disciplined display sealed by that crucial late leveller which set up that grandstand finish sealed by Gvardiol’s winner.

GVARDIOL reaction

Everyone is proud in the moment, it’s the opening game of the season and we know how important it is, especially with all the changes we’ve had in the previous weeks. We need to enjoy this, we deserve it and I’m happy with the three points.

To be fair, I was quite sure I was onside, but it’s difficult, in that moment you are just waiting to see the referee’s reaction. I am glad in the end it’s a goal.

Every game is important, especially here in England. I would say the most important thing is that we won today. There is another game, Crystal Palace away, which is going to be difficult as well.

Enzo’s reaction

The spirit was fantastic. It’s a game we deserved to win.

A game you didn’t need to win to last eight minutes for the amount of chances we have.

When they score and we miss it becomes more complicated.

Second half they’re [only] shot was on 80 minutes so I think we deserved it.

I feel the same as after Arsenal. You judge because of the results , it’s normal but I don’t see a difference, This is a work in progress.

We need a solution, to prepare for one season. [Wins] help the environment, the fans, everyone. 

What it means

The Enzo Maresca league era is off to a winning start with City up to seventh in the embryonic table.

What’s next

City are back in Premier League action on Friday night.
We travel to Crystal Palace on Friday, 28 August, with the action at Selhurst Park getting underway at 20:00 (UK).

We’re back at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 5 September when we face Coventry City with tickets still available here.