Late Gvardiol strike earns Maresca winning start and Brighton hammer Villa

23 Aug 2026, 15:14 · CNA · Join

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - August 23, 2026 Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Chris Radburn

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - August 23, 2026 Brighton and Hove Albion's Maxim De Cuyper and Jack Hinshelwood celebrate after the match REUTERS/Tony O Brien

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - August 23, 2026 AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Chris Radburn

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - August 23, 2026 Brighton and Hove Albion's Jack Hinshelwood scores their fourth goal past Aston Villa's Marco Bizot Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

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MANCHESTER, England, Aug 23 : Manchester City's post-Pep Guardiola era began with late drama as Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time winner secured a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in Enzo Maresca's first Premier League game in charge on Sunday.

The defender thought he had been denied when his close-range finish was ruled offside, only for a VAR review to overturn the decision and spark wild celebrations at the Etihad Stadium after Marc Guehi had earlier hauled City level.

The hosts had been stunned in the 26th minute when City failed to deal with a long ball, allowing Rayan to release Evanilson down the right, and the Brazilian's low cross found Marcus Tavernier unmarked at the far post for a simple finish.

But Maresca's side kept pressing and were rewarded in the 84th minute when Guehi rose highest to power home a corner. Gvardiol won it in the 91st minute when Rayan Cherki poked the ball through a gap in the back line and the defender swivelled before slotting home.

Aston Villa suffered a nightmare opening match as they were beaten 4-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion, with all the goals and a red card for Joao Gomes coming in the first half. An own goal by Victor Lindelof was followed by a Maxim De Cuyper finish. Jack Hinshelwood then scored twice in less than two minutes.

Late Gvardiol strike earns Maresca winning start and Brighton hammer Villa

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