Enzo Maresca began his tenure as Manchester City manager with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
City fell behind in the 26th minute when Marcus Tavernier capitalised on poor defending to give Bournemouth the lead.
The hosts struggled to find their rhythm for much of the opening half, with Bournemouth threatening on the counter and City unable to make their possession count.
Maresca’s side returned after the break with greater attacking intent and eventually found an equaliser through Marc Guéhi in the 85th minute.
The defender rose unmarked to meet Rayan Cherki’s corner and headed past goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović to bring City level.
City continued to push for a winner, with Erling Haaland going close on several occasions, but Bournemouth defended stubbornly.
The breakthrough finally came deep into stoppage time.
Cherki threaded a pass through the Bournemouth defence and Joško Gvardiol finished calmly into the bottom corner in the 91st minute to complete the comeback.
Bournemouth briefly feared the goal had been ruled out for offside, but VAR confirmed Gvardiol had been played onside by the foot of James Hill.
The result gives Maresca a winning start to his Premier League reign, although City were forced to work hard after a difficult first half.
Jack Grealish also made his first Premier League appearance for City in more than a year after coming on for Phil Foden.
For Bournemouth, the defeat will be particularly painful after they had led for most of the match before conceding twice in the final five minutes.
