Maresca makes winning start with Manchester City after dramatic fightback

Enzo Maresca began his tenure as Manchester City manager with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Bournemouth, marking a winning start in his first Premier League game since succeeding Pep Guardiola.

The match saw Bournemouth take an early lead through Marcus Tavernier's first-half goal at the Etihad Stadium. However, City staged a thrilling comeback in the closing minutes. Marc Guéhi equalized with six minutes remaining, and Joško Gvardiol scored the winning goal in stoppage time.

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City staged a pulsating fightback in the final minutes.

Maresca, who takes over after Guardiola's decade of unprecedented success, including six Premier League titles, expressed confidence in his ability to achieve similar trophy hauls if given time. He acknowledged the significant changes at the club following Guardiola's departure.

City's performance followed a lackluster 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield the previous weekend, raising questions about the team's immediate form. Maresca's narrow win offers a hopeful prelude to his time at the helm, aiming to emulate Guardiola's legacy.

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Maresca insists he can replicate Guardiola’s trophy haul if he is given time to handle the ‘big changes’ at the club.