Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Maresca savours 'perfect' debut as Manchester City stun Bournemouth
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca marked his Premier League debut with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, scoring twice in the closing stages at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian celebrated a stirring comeback that saw City equalize in the 84th minute before securing the winner in stoppage time.
LSN India ·
Enzo Maresca described his first game in charge as Manchester City as the "perfect day" after the defending champions produced a thrilling late comeback to defeat Bournemouth 2-1 at home on Sunday. City's dramatic turnaround saw the hosts score two goals in the final 10 minutes to overturn a deficit that had looked set to spoil the Italian's managerial debut.
Marc Guehi's 84th-minute header from a corner initiated City's recovery, drawing the home side level before Josko Gvardiol delivered the decisive blow in the first minute of added time. Gvardiol's finish into the bottom corner was initially flagged as offside but was awarded following a video review, sparking celebrations among City's supporters and staff.
Maresca, who served as Pep Guardiola's assistant during City's treble-winning campaign in 2022-23, was visibly emotional at the final whistle. The 44-year-old punched the air when Gvardiol's goal was confirmed and made his way onto the pitch to embrace his players. City fans had welcomed their new manager with a banner reading "Welcome back Enzo" as he emerged from the tunnel before kickoff, underlining the affection in which the Italian is held at the club.