Manchester City Rally Past Bournemouth as Liverpool Rescue Dramatic Draw at Newcastle

KUALA UMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Manchester City produced a late comeback to give new head coach Enzo Maresca a winning start in the Premier League, beating Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium after scoring twice in the closing stages.

The result provided an encouraging response for City after their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield and marked Maresca’s first league victory since succeeding Pep Guardiola as manager.

Manchester City entered the contest as favourites but found themselves behind after Marcus Tavernier put Bournemouth ahead in the 26th minute.

City created opportunities to respond, including chances for Erling Haaland, but Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic repeatedly frustrated the home side.

For Haaland, it was an unusual opening day. The Norwegian failed to score in his first Premier League match of a season for the first time since joining Manchester City in 2022. His new buzz-cut hairstyle also attracted plenty of attention before kick-off.

Maresca’s decision to introduce Rayan Cherki from the bench proved crucial.

Cherki provided the creativity City had been missing and eventually played a decisive role in both goals.

In the 84th minute, his corner found Marc Guehi, who headed home to level the match at 1-1. Guehi had been deployed in an unfamiliar holding-midfield role by Maresca despite primarily playing as a centre-back.

City then completed the turnaround in stoppage time.

Cherki combined with Josko Gvardiol, whose finish found the bottom corner in the 91st minute. The goal was initially ruled offside but awarded following a video review, sparking celebrations across the Etihad.

Maresca described the occasion as a special start to his league tenure, particularly after City supporters welcomed him with a large banner before kick-off.

The victory came during a significant period of transition for City.

Maresca has returned to the club after previously working as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022/23 treble-winning campaign. He is now responsible for reshaping the team following Guardiola’s departure.

City are also adapting after star midfielder Rodri moved to Barcelona, leaving a major vacancy at the heart of midfield.

Despite those changes, the late victory ensured City opened the new Premier League season with three points.

There was equally dramatic action at St James’ Park, where Liverpool scored deep into stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.

Newcastle made a flying start when Anthony Elanga opened the scoring in the fifth minute.

Liverpool responded after the break through Cody Gakpo, but Newcastle immediately regained the advantage when substitute Joe Willock scored shortly after entering the game.

For much of the second half, Willock’s goal appeared likely to secure all three points for the home side.

Liverpool were given one final opportunity when debutant Victor Munoz was fouled inside the penalty area in stoppage time.

Following a lengthy video review, Liverpool were awarded a penalty.

Captain Dominik Szoboszlai stepped forward and powerfully converted the spot kick in the 99th minute, rescuing a point for the visitors.

The match also marked the beginning of new managerial eras for both clubs, with Matthias Jaissle taking charge of Newcastle and Andoni Iraola beginning his Premier League tenure with Liverpool following Arne Slot’s departure.

Before the match, Newcastle and Liverpool paid tribute to football legend Kevin Keegan, who died last month at the age of 75.

Keegan had strong connections with both clubs during his playing and managerial career.

Players wore shirts carrying his name and No. 7 during the warm-up, while supporters at St James’ Park displayed a large tribute to the former England international.

Another major talking point involved Alexander Isak, who faced his former club after leaving Newcastle for Liverpool at the beginning of last season.

Newcastle supporters jeered the Swedish striker when he arrived and continued to target him whenever he received possession during the match.

Despite the hostile atmosphere, Liverpool eventually escaped with a point thanks to Szoboszlai’s late penalty.

Elsewhere, Brighton & Hove Albion produced one of the weekend’s most emphatic performances, thrashing Aston Villa 4-0 at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton scored all four goals inside the opening 31 minutes.

An own goal from Victor Lindelof opened the scoring before Maxim De Cuyper doubled the advantage. Jack Hinshelwood then struck twice in quick succession to make it 4-0.

Villa’s difficult afternoon became even worse when Joao Gomes was sent off before half-time. Brighton continued creating opportunities after the interval but were unable to add to the scoreline.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler praised Brighton’s intensity and defensive performance as his side moved to the top end of the early Premier League standings.

The celebrations at the Amex were later overshadowed by tragic news.

Brighton confirmed that a 72-year-old supporter died after becoming unwell while leaving the stadium to board a supporters’ club bus.

Emergency services and medical personnel attempted to save him, but he could not be revived. The club expressed condolences to his family and friends.

Sunday’s fixtures delivered several major storylines as the 2026/27 Premier League campaign gathered momentum.

Manchester City showed resilience by overturning Bournemouth’s lead in the closing minutes, Liverpool avoided defeat with virtually the final kick against Newcastle, while Brighton delivered an emphatic warning with their four-goal victory over Aston Villa.

For Maresca, the focus will now be on building consistency as he begins the difficult task of succeeding Guardiola.

Meanwhile, Haaland will be hoping his rare opening-day blank proves only temporary as Manchester City pursue another challenge at the top of English football.