Player Ratings: Josko Gvardiol scores late winner as Man City beat Bournemouth

Player Ratings: Josko Gvardiol scores late winner as Man City beat Bournemouth Man City 2-1 AFC Bournemouth: Player Ratings as Late Goals Rescue Maresca Manchester City began the new Premier League campaign with victory, although Enzo Maresca could hardly have imagined his first league match in charge would require quite so much late drama. Man City trailed AFC Bournemouth for most of the afternoon at the Etihad Stadium before goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol transformed the contest in the closing minutes. Marco Rose’s Bournemouth side had looked capable of extending their remarkable unbeaten sequence, only for City to find a route back into a game that had threatened to drift away from them. Tavernier Punishes Man City Space AFC Bournemouth took the lead after 26 minutes through Marcus Tavernier, and the goal captured many of City’s problems during the opening hour. Evanilson produced a sharp low delivery across the penalty area, with Tavernier afforded far too much space before finishing emphatically. It was an avoidable goal from City’s perspective, particularly given the amount of control they would have expected to establish at home. Bournemouth were organised, disciplined and willing to attack when opportunities appeared. Tavernier was especially influential, finding pockets of space and carrying genuine threat whenever Bournemouth moved forward. City had possession and opportunities of their own, yet their performance lacked the precision usually associated with them around the opposition penalty area. Haaland Endures Frustrating Afternoon Erling Haaland had chances to change the direction of the match much earlier. August has traditionally been a productive month for City’s centre forward, although this was one of those afternoons when the chances arrived without the finish. Bournemouth goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic made important interventions, while Haaland also failed to make the most of several promising situations. Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo struggled to impose themselves consistently, leaving City short of attacking inspiration for long periods. Maresca’s side increasingly pushed players forward as the second half progressed, although Bournemouth continued to defend their penalty area with impressive resilience. Guehi Sparks Dramatic Comeback The breakthrough finally arrived in the 84th minute. Rayan Cherki delivered a corner into the Bournemouth penalty area and Marc Guehi, operating in defensive midfield for only the third time in his career, rose to head City level. That changed the atmosphere immediately. City suddenly played with greater urgency and Bournemouth were forced deeper, with the pressure eventually producing another decisive moment during stoppage time. Cherki was again involved, providing the assist as Gvardiol guided his effort into the bottom corner. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before a VAR review overturned the decision, giving Man City a 2-1 advantage and completing a remarkable late turnaround. Photo: IMAGO Bournemouth Run Ends at Etihad For AFC Bournemouth, the defeat will be particularly difficult to accept. Rose’s team were six minutes away from beginning his Premier League reign with an impressive victory at the Etihad, yet they leave Manchester without a point. It also brings an end to Bournemouth’s club record 18 match unbeaten run in all competitions, stretching back to January. There were positives. Tavernier was excellent, Antonio Silva and Adrien Truffert defended well, while Petrovic produced a composed performance in goal. For City, the three points matter more than the manner in which they arrived at this stage of the season. Guehi and Gvardiol ultimately rescued Maresca from a frustrating opening afternoon, although the performance offered plenty for the new manager to analyse. Player Ratings Manchester City: Gianluigi Donnarumma 7, Marc Guehi 7, Abukodir Khusanov 6, Ruben Dias 6, Josko Gvardiol 7, Rico Lewis 5, Elliot Anderson 6, Nico O’Reilly 7, Antoine Semenyo 5, Phil Fodan 5, Erling Haaland 5. AFC Bournemouth: Djorde Petrovic 7, Adam Smith 5, James Hill 6, Antonio Silva 7, Adrien Truffert 7, Lewis Cook 5, Alex Scott 6, Justin Kluivert 6, Rayan 6, Marcus Tavernier 8, Evanilson 6.