Man City v Bournemouth
Play By Play
The full-time whistle blows as City get off to a winning start with a dramatic 2-1 win over Bournemouth. The result is cruel on the visitors, who found themselves a goal up with six minutes of normal time remaining, but the eight-time Premier League champions found a way to bag the points. Tavernier initially put the Cherries ahead in the 26th minute after a brilliant cross by Tavernier, and the goal initially looked as though it would be enough to see Bournemouth claim their first-ever win at the Etihad. City weren't to be denied, though, and drew level on the 84-minute mark when Guehi nodded home from Cherki's cross. The latter's introduction proved a defining factor for Maresca's men, as Cherki went on to tee up Gvardiol in stoppage time, allowing the Croatian to slot home from inside the area. City recorded 2.36 xG across the afternoon, compared to Bournemouth's 0.63, and the hosts now look to a trip to Crystal Palace next Friday. Meanwhile, Bournemouth prepare to welcome Everton a day later. That's all for this one, thanks for joining us!
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BOURNEMOUTH
It's just a matter of running the clock down now for City. So, so cruel on Bournemouth, who have been brilliant for large spells today.
Cherki has truly changed this game for City since coming on. He'll surely be starting next time out...
VAR GIVES THE GOAL!! CITY HAVE TURNED IT AROUND!! It's heartbreaking for Bournemouth, but City have found a way to bag the points through defender Gvardiol. A lot of the credit has to go to Cherki, though, who did brilliantly to pick out Gvardiol in the penalty area. Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth!
Hill looks as though he's playing Gvardiol on. This could be a second for City after all...
CITY SCORE A SECOND...BUT THE FLAG IS UP!! Cherki is involved again as he swivels and frees Gvardiol in the box, who takes a touch before slotting it home with his right. But was he offside?
There will be THREE minutes of stoppage time. City will have been hoping for more, but there's still time for a late twist.
Among all Premier League players since the start of last season, only Bruno Fernandes (22) has more assists across all competitions than City's Cherki (17) following Guehi's equaliser. The substitution has certainly paid off for Maresca's side.
Bournemouth respond to the equaliser with a change, as Gannon-Doak replaces Rayan.
City have now scored in their last 19 Premier League home games. But can they grab another one to win it?
Bournemouth's Silva is shown a yellow card in the aftermath for dissent.
It's a wonderful cross from Cherki, who lays the ball on a plate for Guehi to head home. Game on!
THERE'S THE EQUALISER!! City finally draw level as Guehi makes up for his miss earlier in the half to nod home Cherki's corner. It was a wonderful cross by the Frenchman, which finds Guehi in acres of space in the centre of the goal. It's poor defending, but how badly City needed that! Manchester City 1-1 Bournemouth!
GREAT DEFENDING BY TRUFFERT!! The Bournemouth left-back does brilliantly to get back and prevent Haaland from bursting through on goal after a mix-up between Hill and Silva. More frustration for City.
City make yet another change as Grealish comes on for Foden.
Jebbison's header was both Bournemouth's first shot and touch in the City box of the second half. They won't care if they're able to hold on, though.
JEBBISON ALMOST BAGS BOURNEMOUTH A SECOND!! Donnarumma is forced to deny the Cherries substitute, who guides a brilliant header on goal from Tavernier's cross. That might've been game over if not for the City goalkeeper's right hand...
City's Foden is booked for a late challenge on Jebbison. The frustration signs are showing now for the home side.
Haaland has now had five shots in this match, and last had more without scoring in a Premier League game in November 2024 vs Tottenham (seven). It just hasn't been his day so far.
Bournemouth's Adams also replaces Cook.
Bournemouth's Kluivert also goes off for Toth.
Bournemouth make their first changes, as Jebbison replaces Evanilson.
ANOTHER CHANCE FOR HAALAND!! City are beginning to move the ball with more purpose now as Foden frees Guehi down the right. The latter then crosses to Haaland, but he can't quite wrap his boot around the ball, which bobbles into the hands of Petrovic. Still 1-0 to the visitors...
City have now attempted the last five shots in this game. Bournemouth's last effort came in the 41st minute, through Kluivert.
