EPL: Man City Come From Behind To Beat Bournemouth, Hand Maresca Winning Start

Manchester City struck twice in the closing stages to beat Bournemouth 2-1 and hand Enzo Maresca victory in his first Premier League match in charge, while denying Marco Rose a winning start as Cherries manager.

Bournemouth looked on course for a memorable victory after taking the lead through Marcus Tavernier in the first half.

Tavernier was left unmarked in the area and made no mistake, firing home after Evanilson’s incisive low cross found him in space.

City struggled to find a response for much of the afternoon, with Erling Haaland wasting several opportunities as the visitors appeared set to suffer a frustrating defeat.

However, the champions finally found a breakthrough six minutes from time when Marc Guehi headed Rayan Cherki’s corner into the net.

Guehi, operating in defensive midfield for only the third time in his career, proved decisive at the other end as City completed their comeback.

Bournemouth’s misery was compounded deep into stoppage time when Josko Gvardiol fired a low effort into the bottom corner.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review, sparking celebrations among the City players.

The defeat ended Bournemouth’s club-record 18-match unbeaten run in all competitions, with the Cherries suffering their first loss since January.

For City, the dramatic victory provided Maresca with an ideal start to his Premier League tenure, while Rose was left to rue a late collapse after Bournemouth had been within minutes of securing an impressive result.