Cherki Inspires Manchester City Comeback Against Bournemouth

Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth a first-half lead before Marc Guehi equalised in the 84th minute and Josko Gvardiol completed the turnaround in stoppage time.

The result handed Enzo Maresca a winning start in his first Premier League match as Manchester City manager.

City made a fast start and controlled possession from the opening minutes, but Bournemouth absorbed the pressure and gradually grew into the contest.

Rico Lewis forced Djordje Petrovic into an early save, while Erling Haaland wasted a major opportunity in the 13th minute after Nico O’Reilly delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area.

Bournemouth punished those misses in the 26th minute.

A direct attack eventually released Evanilson down the right, and the Brazilian delivered across the area for Tavernier, who arrived at the back post and finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma to give the visitors the lead.

The goal exposed some uncertainty in City’s defensive structure and gave Bournemouth confidence on the counter-attack.

Justin Kluivert had an opportunity to double the advantage shortly before half-time but Donnarumma made an important save, while Tavernier also went close with another effort from distance.

City continued to create chances, with Haaland seeing a header saved by Petrovic, but Bournemouth reached the interval 1-0 ahead.

Despite City having 68 percent possession in the first half, Bournemouth registered more shots on target and carried a slightly higher expected-goals figure into the break.

Maresca turned to his bench in the second half as City struggled to find a breakthrough.

Matheus Nunes replaced Lewis before Rayan Cherki was introduced for O’Reilly in the 63rd minute.

Cherki’s arrival changed the rhythm of the contest.

Antoine Semenyo forced Petrovic into a save before Haaland missed another chance as City increased the pressure.

Bournemouth remained dangerous and nearly scored a second in the 79th minute when substitute Daniel Jebbison met Tavernier’s cross with a powerful header, only for Donnarumma to produce a crucial save.

That save proved significant.

City finally equalised in the 84th minute when Cherki delivered an excellent ball into the area and Guehi rose unmarked to head past Petrovic.

The goal transformed the atmosphere at the Etihad and City immediately pushed for a winner.

Cherki was again at the centre of the decisive moment in stoppage time.

The French midfielder found Gvardiol inside the Bournemouth penalty area, and the Croatian defender controlled the ball before finishing with his right foot.

The assistant initially raised the offside flag, but VAR reviewed the incident and awarded the goal, completing City’s late turnaround.

Bournemouth had led until six minutes from the end of normal time, but two late defensive lapses ultimately denied them what would have been their first Premier League victory at the Etihad.

Cherki’s introduction proved decisive, with the midfielder providing assists for both City goals after coming on in the second half.

The victory also allowed Maresca to begin the post-Pep Guardiola era with three points following City’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Manchester City will next travel to Crystal Palace, while Bournemouth return home to face Everton.