Manchester City came from behind to defeat Bournemouth 2-1 in their opening Premier League match of the season, thanks to late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol. The dramatic victory at the Etihad Stadium saw City overturn a first-half deficit to secure all three points.
Bournemouth Take Shock Lead
Bournemouth stunned the home side in the 26th minute when Marcus Tavernier broke the deadlock. The goal came after poor defending from Manchester City, with Evanilson finding space on the right side before playing the ball to Tavernier, who slotted past goalkeeper Donnarumma.
City had several chances to equalise before the break, with Erling Haaland forcing a save from Bournemouth goalkeeper Petrovic in the 39th minute. In first-half stoppage time, Evanilson was booked for a late challenge on Guehi, and the forward then went to ground claiming he had been hit in the face by Gvardiol, but no further cards were shown.
City Push for Equaliser
Enzo Maresca's side made a change at the start of the second half, with Matheus Nunes replacing Lewis at right-back. In the 52nd minute, City had a huge chance when Anderson's corner found Guehi unmarked at the back post, but the England defender missed the target with a header.
City continued to press, with Haaland seeing a shot saved in the 74th minute after a give-and-go with Guehi. The home side made further changes, with Jack Grealish coming on for his first Premier League appearance for City in over a year, replacing Foden in the 82nd minute.
Late Drama Seals Victory
The equaliser finally came in the 85th minute when Cherki sent a corner into the box and Guehi, left completely unmarked in the middle, headed the ball past Petrovic. Three minutes into added time, Gvardiol scored the winner, played onside by the foot of Hill as Cherki threaded a pass through, and the defender slid the ball into the bottom corner.
The win moves Manchester City to seventh in the early Premier League table with three points, while Bournemouth sit 13th. Elsewhere, Brighton hammered Aston Villa 4-0 at the Amex Stadium to top the standings after the first round of matches.
