Manchester City left it late to secure an opening weekend win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca’s first game in charge ended with a 2-1 win after late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol turned the game around. City fell behind in the first half when Marcus Tavernier turned in from Evanilson’s cross, and the Cherries held on until the closing stages.
An injury to record recruit Elliot Anderson further soured the atmosphere, until City found a late breakthrough.
Marc Guehi atoned for a glaring miss earlier in the contest to head home an equaliser on 84 minutes, with the stand-in midfielder free in the area to power in.
City kept pushing and found an equaliser in stoppage time, when Gvardiol collected Rayan Cherki’s pass and fired home. There was a nervy wait as VAR checked if the Croatian had strayed offside, before the Etihad erupted in celebration with the goal given.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gvardiol said the most important thing was to win – and admitted he knew he was onside.
“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.”
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