Late Gvardiol strike earns Maresca winning start and Brighton hammer Villa
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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.
“Everyone is proud in the moment, it’s the opening game of the season and we know how important it is, especially with all the changes we’ve had in the previous weeks,” Gvardiol told Sky Sports. “We need to enjoy this, we deserve it and I’m happy with the three points.”
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.
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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.
Erling Haaland, sporting a new buzz cut after ditching his trademark flowing blonde hair, had earlier squandered a good opportunity when he misjudged his run and headed Nico O’Reilly’s inviting cross away from goal.
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.
Villa, who lost key players Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa in a transfer-window exodus, went behind in the eighth minute when Pau Torres played a loose ball back into his own area, allowing De Cuyper to pounce. The Belgian’s shot struck the post before rebounding in off Lindelof.
Worse followed in the 18th minute when Georginio Rutter delivered a cross that De Cuyper converted from close range.
Hinshelwood swept home the third in the 30th minute before striking again barely a minute later when Villa lost possession straight from the restart.
Villa were reduced to 10 men when Gomes was shown a red card for violent conduct in the 40th minute.
Source: Reuters
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