Manchester City Vs Bournemouth, Premier League 2026-27: Cherki Orchestrates Comeback Victory For Maresca's Side
Enzo Maresca enjoyed an opening win in the Premier League as Manchester City manager, coming from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. The reigning heavyweights found themselves on the back foot early on when Marcus Tavernier capitalized on a defensive lapse to give the Cherries a shock 26th-minute lead, a goal that threatened to completely derail City's opening weekend ambitions. As the match wore on, Bournemouth's disciplined defensive structure frustrated City's waves of attacks. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 84th minute when Marc Guéhi rose to power home a header from Rayan Cherki corner, leveling the score. City continued to press forward in search of a winner, and their persistence paid off in stoppage time. Joško Gvardiol latched onto a defense-splitting pass from Rayan Cherki before coolly slotting past the keeper. Though the strike faced a tense VAR review for a potential offside build-up, the goal ultimately stood.
Manchester City's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, centre, and Manchester City's Erling Haaland, left, celebrate their victory at the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
AFC Bournemouth players react disappointed after the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol (24) celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
Manchester City's Marc Guehi celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
Fans observe a moment of silence in memory of Kevin Keegan during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
Players in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
Manchester City's Elliot Anderson walks off injured during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
Manchester City's Marc Guehi reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
Manchester City's Erling Haaland during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
Manchester City fans display a tifo for Manchester City's head coach Enzo Maresca ahead of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Bournemouth in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. | Photo: AP/Dave Thompson
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