Manchester City’s new era under Enzo Maresca began dramatically as Josko Gvardiol scored a stoppage-time winner to clinch a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth in Maresca’s first Premier League match on Sunday. Initially ruled offside, Gvardiol’s close-range finish was reinstated after a VAR review, sparking jubilant celebrations at the Etihad Stadium. Marc Guehi had earlier equalized for City, setting the stage for the late winner.
Reflecting on the win, Gvardiol expressed pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing the significance of the season opener amid recent changes. “We need to enjoy this, we deserve it and I’m happy with the three points,” he said.
Bournemouth took an early lead in the 26th minute when City’s defense failed to clear a long ball, allowing Rayan to release Evanilson on the right flank. The Brazilian’s low cross found Marcus Tavernier unmarked at the far post, who finished easily. However, City maintained pressure and were rewarded in the 84th minute when Guehi powered home a corner to level the score.
In the 91st minute, Gvardiol capitalized on a pass from Rayan Cherki, who threaded the ball through the defense. The defender skillfully turned and slotted the ball home, securing the win. Earlier, Erling Haaland, sporting a new buzz cut after cutting his signature blonde locks, missed a promising chance when he mistimed his run and headed Nico O’Reilly’s cross off target.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa endured a disastrous start to their campaign, suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion. All goals and a red card for Villa’s Joao Gomes occurred in the first half, compounding their woes amid a transfer window that saw the departures of key players Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Ezri Konsa.
The scoring began in the eighth minute when Pau Torres’ loose back pass allowed Maxim De Cuyper to seize the ball. His shot hit the post before deflecting off Victor Lindelof into Villa’s net for an own goal. The situation worsened in the 18th minute as Georginio Rutter’s cross found De Cuyper again, who converted from close range.
Jack Hinshelwood then scored twice in quick succession, netting the third goal in the 30th minute and adding a fourth less than a minute later after Villa lost possession immediately following the restart. Villa’s difficulties intensified when Gomes received a red card for violent conduct in the 40th minute, leaving the team with ten men for the remainder of the half.
