Enzo Maresca began his Manchester City tenure with a 2–1 win over Bournemouth in the 2026–27 Premier League opener.
Manchester City came from behind to defeat AFC Bournemouth 2–1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 23 August 2026. The victory was Maresca’s first Premier League match as City manager after replacing Pep Guardiola, who had led the club during the previous era.
The match was decided late. Bournemouth led for much of the contest, but Marcus Tavernier equalised in the 84th minute and Joško Gvardiol completed City’s comeback in the second minute of stoppage time. Substitute Rayan Cherki contributed two assists after entering the match.
Maresca had previously managed Chelsea and Leicester City, and he had worked within Manchester City’s coaching structure earlier in his career. His opening-weekend win was therefore both a managerial debut and a return to a familiar club environment. It should not be confused with Marco Rose’s Bournemouth appointment or Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal victory.