Gvardiol late winner seals Maresca debut vs Bournemouth

Bournemouth began the season under new manager Marco Rose following Andoni Iraola’s departure, showing aggressive counter-attacking and taking the lead through Marcus Tavernier against Manchester City at the Etihad. City, managed by Enzo Maresca in his first Premier League game, fought back with a late double, as Marc Guehi headed in a corner to equalise and Josko Gvardiol completed a stoppage-time winner after a VAR review. Gvardiol’s decisive strike was initially ruled offside but ultimately stood, delivering a dramatic victory for Maresca. Rayan Cherki was pivotal for City, providing both assists and creating late chances, while Erling Haaland spurned opportunities yet again. Bournemouth’s performance suggested progress under Rose, but defensive lapses cost them a potential upset and tempered the sense of a breakout away performance. The result underscored City’s ability to overturn deficits late on, signaling a strong early impression for Maresca and a competitive opening for Bournemouth in Rose’s stewardship.