Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth: Late Guehi and Gvardiol Goals Complete Comeback

Manchester City scored two late goals to beat Bournemouth.

Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game in charge of Manchester City ended in victory after two goals in the last ten minutes.

City struggled in the first half and trailed for most of the match after Marcus Tavernier’s 26th-minute opener.

The home side improved dramatically after a series of second-half substitutions.

Tentative City Struggle in First Half

Maresca surprised many pundits by naming six recognised defenders in his starting line-up.

This involved starting centre-back Marc Guehi in defensive midfield and left-back Nico O’Reilly as part of a creative trio (alongside Antoine Semenyo and Phil Foden) behind striker Erling Haaland.

City’s unusual formation may have contributed to Bournemouth’s first goal.

City right-back Rico Lewis had moved into a central position, creating space for Bournemouth winger Marcus Tavernier. Tavernier latched onto a cross from Evanilson and slotted past City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City themselves struggled in front of goal, with Haaland failing to connect with a dangerous cross from O’Reilly in the 13th minute.

Semenyo also broke through Bournemouth’s defensive line in the 34th minute but misjudged his cross to Foden.

Maresca’s Substitutes Change the Game

City continued to control possession early in the second half without creating many clear chances.

Maresca made his first substitution in the 57th minute, bringing holding midfielder Matheus Nunes on for Lewis.

This allowed Guehi to return to his usual defensive role.

O’Reilly was also substituted shortly afterwards, being replaced by creative midfielder Rayan Cherki.

Cherki’s presence improved City’s cutting edge, with Semenyo drawing a good save from Bournemouth goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic in the 67th minute.

Bournemouth manager Marco Rose was also taking charge of his side in the Premier League for the first time. He responded with his own substitutions in the 75th minute.

Rose took off Evanilson, along with midfielders Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook, for the midfield trio of Tyler Adams, Alex Toth and Daniel Jebbison.

Jebbison almost doubled his side’s lead when he headed Tavernier’s free-kick towards goal but saw his effort saved by Donnarumma.

City’s pressure eventually told when Guehi connected well with Cherki’s corner, leaving Petrovic with little chance and levelling the game.

Bournemouth’s resistance was broken in the second minute of stoppage time when Cherki found left-back Josko Gvardiol in the Cherries’ penalty area.

The goal was awarded after a long VAR check, sparking ecstatic celebrations from the City bench.

Player of the Match: Rayan Cherki

Cherki was City’s main creative outlet after coming on in the second half.

He responded very positively to being left on the bench from the start and connected well with Foden and Semenyo.

His two assists won his side the points and further proved why he deserves a spot in Maresca’s starting eleven.

Recognition should also go to Tavernier, who was his side’s main attacking force throughout the game.

What’s Next?

Manchester City will return to Premier League action when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Friday evening, before hosting Coventry on Saturday, September 5.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, will host Everton next Saturday afternoon before travelling to Newcastle the following weekend.