Enzo Maresca's Manchester City opened the new Premier League season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bournemouth. The matchday one fixture at the Etihad was an Italian debut in the role of head coach of the "Citizens," and the team, despite being the reigning vice-champions, had some worrying moments. A detailed breakdown of the match has been published in a Sport RBC.UA article.
A Tough Start Under the New Manager
Although City began the campaign as the vice-champions, the first half was far from convincing. This was partly due to Maresca's experiments with the playing model: the "Citizens" had possession, but they struggled noticeably to create real danger in front of the opposition's goal. Erling Haaland was also out of form, with the game not really coming together for him. In contrast, Marco Rose's Bournemouth felt far more comfortable on the pitch and looked more dangerous in attack.
Bournemouth Take the Lead
The visitors could have opened the scoring as early as the 16th minute, but City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his team. By the 26th minute, the Italian could no longer do anything: Marcus Tavernier finished a cross at the far post, and Bournemouth took the lead 0-1. The pattern of play barely changed in the second half: the home side retained possession, but they could not turn it into clear-cut chances.
A Comeback in Stoppage Time
The turning point came from a substitution: Ryan Cherki entered the pitch in the 63rd minute, and it was his actions in the closing stages that decided the match. In the 84th minute, Marc Guéhi levelled, finishing a Cherki corner kick 1-1. Then, in stoppage time, in the 91st minute, Cherki set up his second assist, and Josko Gvardiol put City ahead 2-1. Thus, the "Citizens" snatched three points thanks to two defenders in the final minutes of the game.
Enzo Maresca's Reaction
After the match, the new Manchester City boss called the win well deserved and highlighted the team's character, managing to turn the game around while trailing. According to Maresca, the ability to press the opponent in the closing stages was the key factor in the success of his debut matchday in charge.
