Maresca begins Manchester City reign with late comeback over Bournemouth

Enzo Maresca started his first Premier League match as Manchester City manager with a comeback victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, giving the defending champions an opening-day win in the 2026-27 season. The result came after City trailed before turning the game around late at home.

Maresca said after the match that City had deserved the points, while the performance also highlighted a midfield shortage that forced an unusual selection. Marc Guéhi was used in central midfield, a move that underlined the need for further reinforcement in that area.

The game was widely viewed as an early test of Maresca's plans after taking over at the club, and the late turnaround ensured he avoided a losing start in the league. Bournemouth were left without a result despite having put City under pressure for much of the contest.

The match also fed into wider discussion about City's squad balance ahead of the rest of the campaign, with attention turning to whether the club will add another midfielder before the transfer window closes.