Gvardiol's stoppage-time goal rescues City in Maresca's first Premier League win

Manchester City survived a nervy home debut for new manager Enzo Maresca to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, with Josko Gvardiol’s stoppage-time strike — initially ruled out for offside before being awarded by VAR — completing a dramatic late comeback.

Marcus Tavernier had given Bournemouth the lead with a tap-in after Evanilson whipped a cross to the far post, and the visitors looked set to frustrate Maresca in his first Premier League match since succeeding Pep Guardiola. City had created plenty of chances, most notably a glaring miss from Erling Haaland, who failed to make clean contact from close range after Nico O’Reilly’s pinpoint cross.

Marc Guehi, deployed in an unfamiliar central midfield role by Maresca, had also wasted a free header from a corner early in the second half. But the Crystal Palace defender atoned in the 84th minute, meeting a Rayan Cherki corner with a firm header to level the scores.

City sensed there was time for more, and Gvardiol delivered when he slotted home from a Cherki pass. The linesman’s flag initially cut short the celebrations, but a VAR check confirmed the goal stood, sparking jubilant scenes on the touchline.

The win was not without its anxious moments at the other end. Bournemouth’s Rayan had earlier forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, and substitute Daniel Jebbison tested the Italian goalkeeper with a header late on.

Maresca had been welcomed to the Etihad with a large banner from supporters before kick-off, and the atmosphere was raucous from the outset. City pressed hard in the opening exchanges, with Phil Foden having a shot blocked and Haaland going close before his costly miss handed Bournemouth the initiative.

The result means relief for Maresca as he begins life in charge of one of English football’s most demanding jobs, while Bournemouth manager Marco Rose — himself new to the Premier League — will feel his side were unfortunate not to take something from the game.