Manchester City began the Enzo Maresca era in the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. Maresca’s side dominated possession and created numerous dangerous attacking situations, but Bournemouth were more clinical whenever they received the ball. Marcus Tavernier punished City in the 26th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 half-time lead. Erling Haaland had earlier been presented with a golden opportunity to put City ahead from a Nico O’Reilly cross, but the Norwegian failed to convert.
Manchester City Complete Late Comeback
The second half followed a similar pattern, with City controlling possession and repeatedly pushing Bournemouth back. However, their intensity and attacking intent increased with every passing minute as Maresca’s team searched desperately for an equaliser.
That pressure eventually became too much for the visitors. Marc Guéhi levelled the contest in the 84th minute before Joško Gvardiol completed the comeback in stoppage time, scoring in the 90+2nd minute to secure a 2-1 victory.
The result gave Maresca his first competitive win as Manchester City manager at the Etihad, providing an immediate boost after the disappointment of the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
Manchester City Maintain Perfect Etihad Record Against Bournemouth
Beyond Maresca’s winning start, the victory also extended a remarkable Manchester City record against Bournemouth at home in the Premier League.
City have now won all ten of their Premier League home games against Bournemouth, maintaining a 100% winning record at the Etihad. The numbers underline their complete dominance in this particular fixture:
Premier League home games: 10
Manchester City wins: 10
Bournemouth wins: 0
Draws: 0
Manchester City goals: 36
Bournemouth goals: 7
Bournemouth therefore remain without a Premier League victory or draw at the Etihad, despite entering this fixture with considerable momentum.
Bournemouth’s Historic Unbeaten Run Ends
The defeat also brought an end to Bournemouth’s extraordinary 18-game unbeaten Premier League run from the 2025-26 season.
The streak began after a 3-2 home defeat against Arsenal on January 3, 2026, and lasted for 18 consecutive league matches, with Bournemouth recording seven wins and 11 draws. Their remarkable form helped them secure a club-record sixth-place finish and European qualification for the first time in their history.
That historic run was achieved under Andoni Iraola during his final stretch at the club. With Iraola departing for Liverpool, Marco Rose inherited Bournemouth for the new campaign, and their unbeaten streak has now ended under the German coach following the 2-1 defeat to City.
What’s Next for City and Bournemouth?
Manchester City and Maresca will now turn their attention to Crystal Palace in Gameweek 2, hoping to build on their dramatic opening-day victory.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth will look to respond immediately when they face Everton, with Rose aiming to secure his first Premier League win and begin a new chapter after the end of the club’s historic unbeaten run.
