Erling Haaland saw his remarkable Premier League opening-day scoring record come to an end as Manchester City completed a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad. Maresca's City side dominated possession and created numerous dangerous attacking opportunities, but Bournemouth were more clinical whenever they won the ball. Despite City's control, Marcus Tavernier's 26th-minute strike gave the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time. Haaland had a golden opportunity to put City ahead earlier in the half when Nico O'Reilly delivered a dangerous cross, but the Norwegian striker failed to convert.
Haaland's Opening-Day Record Ends
The Bournemouth game marked the first time Erling Haaland has failed to score in Manchester City's opening Premier League match of a season.
Since arriving at City, Haaland had established himself as one of the most reliable opening-day scorers in Premier League history. He had scored in each of his first four seasons with the club, finding the net seven times across those matches.
His opening-day record before the Bournemouth game was:
2022/23: 2 goals vs West Ham United
2023/24: 2 goals vs Burnley
2024/25: 1 goal vs Chelsea
2025/26: 2 goals vs Wolves
That remarkable run finally came to an end against Bournemouth, despite Haaland being heavily involved in City's attacking play.
City Increase Pressure After Half-Time
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Manchester City controlling possession and continuously looking for openings. However, their intensity and attacking intent increased with every passing minute as Maresca's side searched desperately for an equaliser.
Haaland remained a constant threat, occupying Bournemouth's defenders and creating space for City's other attackers. While the Norwegian could not find the breakthrough himself, City's sustained pressure eventually produced the comeback.
Manchester City finally found their equaliser in the 84th minute when Marc Guéhi scored to make it 1-1. With Bournemouth increasingly under pressure, City pushed for a winner and were rewarded deep into stoppage time.
Joško Gvardiol completed the turnaround in the 90+2nd minute, sending the Etihad into celebration and securing Maresca his first win as Manchester City manager at the stadium.
Haaland Will Look to Respond Against Crystal Palace
Although Haaland will be disappointed to see his extraordinary opening-day scoring streak end, the Manchester City striker can take satisfaction from seeing his team recover from a difficult position to secure all three points.
The Norwegian will now be eager to return to the scoresheet when City face Crystal Palace next week, with the end of his opening-day run likely to provide even more motivation to get his first Premier League goal of the new campaign.
