Manchester City began the Enzo Maresca era in the Premier League with a dramatic 2 1 success against Bournemouth, overturning a deficit through two late goals inspired by substitute Rayan Cherki.
Bournemouth looked on course for a memorable opening result under new manager Marco Rose after Marcus Tavernier put them ahead in the 26th minute. Evanilson supplied the delivery from the right before Tavernier finished confidently past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City had threatened earlier, with Djordje Petrovic denying Rico Lewis at the near post, while Erling Haaland failed to make the most of a promising opportunity created by Nico O’Reilly. Haaland later saw a header saved, but Bournemouth remained the more dangerous side before the break.
Tavernier went close to adding another with a curling effort, while Donnarumma was required to keep out Justin Kluivert’s powerful strike.
The hosts continued to struggle for attacking rhythm after the interval. Marc Guéhi wasted a huge opportunity when he headed wide despite having plenty of the goal to aim at.
The contest changed after Cherki was introduced from the bench. His corner in the 84th minute found Guéhi unmarked, allowing the England international to power a header beyond Petrovic and restore parity.
City pushed aggressively for all three points and completed the turnaround during stoppage time. Cherki was again the creator, finding Josko Gvardiol, who controlled the pass superbly before calmly guiding his finish into the bottom left corner.
The goal survived a VAR examination for a possible offside during the build up, triggering wild celebrations from Maresca on the touchline.
The result handed Maresca his first Premier League victory as Manchester City boss, while Bournemouth suffered their first league loss since January.
