Gallery: Magical Cherki picks off Cherries! | OneFootball

Match Report

Gvardiol strike caps dramatic City comeback in Premier League opener

Just before the half-hour mark at the Etihad Stadium, the visitors broke forward and went ahead from an assured finish by Marcus Tavernier.

Erling Haaland came close on a few occasions but Bournemouth shot-stopper Djordje Petrovic was equal to everything that was thrown at him.

Maresca introduced Rayan Cherki from the bench after 63 minutes and our midfield maestro was at his creative best to turn the game around.

The Frenchman first delivered a perfect corner onto the head of Guéhi who glanced wide from close-range, which should have served as a warning side for Marco Rose’s men.

However, after the glaring miss, Guéhi was not to be denied with his next chance, as Cherki’s inswinging corner once again found his head and this time, the Englishman made no mistake, powering in the leveller in the 84th minute.

We had all the momentum and with the clock ticking into stoppage time, Cherki showed wonderful balance, agility and creativity to flick the ball into the path of Josko Gvardiol, who expertly finished into the corner.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside but after a swift VAR check, the goal was given as the Etihad erupted with joy, as we began our 2026/27 league campaign in perfect fashion.

View the best images from the victory via our gallery below.