Manchester City clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, kicking off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign on a positive note. Bournemouth initially took the lead in the 26th minute, courtesy of Marcus Tavernier. Despite several missed opportunities, Enzo Maresca’s team found their equalizer in the 84th minute through Marc Guehi. In a thrilling finish, Josko Gvardiol netted the winner in the 91st minute, with Rayan Cherki providing the setup for both late goals.

Rayan Cherki Sparks Manchester City’s Comeback

In the 63rd minute of the match, Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic came on to replace Nico O’Reilly and Elliot Anderson. Manchester City struggled to equalize despite creating numerous chances before Cherki’s introduction.

After entering the pitch, Cherki quickly became the catalyst for his team’s resurgence, generating four crucial chances. His first significant contribution was an inch-perfect corner that Marc Guehi converted to equalize. Just moments before securing the victory, Cherki showcased his skill with close control and sharp vision, which allowed Josko Gvardiol to score the late winner.

Manchester City left it late to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign in the right fashion. Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead in the 26th minute. Enzo Maresca’s side squandered several gilt-edged chances before they finally found their equalizer through Marc Guehi in the 84th minute. Josko Gvardiol scored the winner in the 91st minute. Rayan Cherki set up both of City’s late goals. When Manchester City needed more creativity and someone to unlock Bournemouth’s defence, it was Cherki who provided his team with the inspiration that they needed.

Manchester City needed someone to provide the spark to unlock Bournemouth’s defence and it was Rayan Cherki that provided it.

Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic replaced Nico O’Reilly and Elliot Anderson in the 63rd minute of yesterday’s match. Manchester City needed a creative spark to find an equalizer despite the fact that they had squandered a host of great chances up until that point in the match.

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After coming off the bench, Rayan Cherki immediately provided Enzo Maresca’s side with the creative spark that they needed to go up a gear and beat Bournemouth. He created four chances and gave his team the creative spark that they desperately needed.

It was Cherki who set up both of Manchester City’s late goals. Cherki’s inch-perfect delivery from the corner that Marc Guehi headed home to make it 1-1 was the first. Rayan Cherki delivered an exquisite corner from the right with his left foot that Marc Guehi headed home to equalize for City. In the 91st minute, it was Cherki’s close control, neat footwork and supreme vision that set up Josko Gvardiol’s late winner.