Manchester City began their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium after coming from behind to snatch all three points in the closing stages. Bournemouth threatened to spoil Enzo Maresca’s first league game in charge of City when Marcus Tavernier opened the scoring in the 26th minute, taking advantage of uncertainty in the home defence to give the visitors a surprise lead. City responded with sustained pressure but struggled to convert their chances, leaving Bournemouth ahead at the interval.
The hosts continued to dominate possession after the break but found Bournemouth difficult to break down as the visitors defended with discipline and looked dangerous on the counterattack. Erling Haaland and his attacking teammates were unable to find the breakthrough for much of the contest, increasing the pressure on a City side determined to avoid an opening-day setback following their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal a week earlier.
City’s persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute when summer signing Marc Guéhi rose to meet a Rayan Cherki corner and headed home the equaliser. With momentum suddenly on their side, City pushed desperately for the winner and were rewarded in stoppage time when Josko Gvardiol struck in the 91st minute to complete the comeback and send the Etihad crowd into celebration.
The result provides Maresca with a winning start to his Premier League tenure after succeeding Pep Guardiola during the summer. City entered the new season undergoing significant changes, including the departure of influential midfielder Rodri, but the late victory showed the resilience that has characterised the club in recent years.
Bournemouth will leave Manchester disappointed after coming within minutes of securing an impressive result away from home. Their organised defensive approach frustrated City for long periods, while Tavernier’s first-half strike gave them genuine hope of producing one of the opening weekend’s major surprises. However, the visitors were unable to withstand City’s late pressure as two goals in the closing minutes turned what appeared to be a memorable away victory into a painful defeat.
For Manchester City, the 2-1 victory may not have been the dominant performance supporters expected, but it delivered the most important outcome three points. With tougher tests ahead, Maresca will know there is still work to be done, particularly in defence and in converting chances, but the dramatic comeback provides an encouraging start to City’s pursuit of the Premier League title.