On a day when two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs began new eras, it was Maresca that finished happier, although neither manager could be completely satisfied after a pair of inconsistent performances.
At the Etihad Stadium, Marcus Tavernier’s first-half goal put Bournemouth ahead before Maresca’s side staged a pulsating fightback in the final minutes.
Inspired by Maresca’s decision to send on French playmaker Rayan Cherki, who provided the assists for both goals, Marc Guehi headed City’s equaliser with six minutes left before Josko Gvardiol stroked in the stoppage-time winner.
Guardiola won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, during a glorious decade with City.
His reign started with a late win at home to Sunderland in 2016 and Maresca will hope his own narrow victory serves as the prelude to an equally successful spell.
City’s lacklustre 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in last weekend’s Community Shield raised questions about their ability to keep pace with the Premier League champions this season.
For much of their top-flight opener, City were again short of inspiration in attack and cohesion at the back.
But they found a way to dig out a result that allowed Maresca to breathe a sigh of relief.
“The impact was unbelievable, he is that kind of player,” Maresca said.
“I like Rayan, I told him also after the game, but sometimes when you plan a game and you already have (picked) four out of 11 players who arrived late (from holidays), if you go with one more maybe the difference is too big.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai scored a penalty with the last kick of the game to save Iraola from a debut defeat at St James’ Park.
Iraola is the figurehead of Liverpool’s overhaul after Arne Slot’s close-season sacking, Mohamed Salah’s departure to Trabzonspor and the eye-catching investment by a consortium fronted by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Liverpool’s first steps into the future were uncomfortable, with Newcastle exposing the defensive flaws that proved fatal for Slot last season.
Anthony Elanga put Newcastle ahead in the first half before Cody Gakpo equalised soon after the interval.
Joe Willock’s first Premier League goal since 2024 restored Newcastle’s advantage, but Szoboszlai held his nerve to net with a stoppage-time penalty after Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz.
It was a mixed start for Iraola, who can take heart from his team’s refusal to accept defeat, but will be concerned by their unconvincing display.
“It’s the result you want, scoring in the last minute. I value that the players never gave up. I’m sure we had more chances, it’s unfair they’re winning very early and overall, I think we’ve had the better chances,” he said.
“We were probably in the first half not finishing anything, we had a lot of balls on the edge but we needed to shoot. We don’t finish play and then they win on the counter-attack.”
At the Amex Stadium, Jack Hinshelwood struck twice in the space of two minutes as Brighton exploited Aston Villa’s star exodus with a 4-0 demolition of the Europa League winners.
Villa went into the match having sold a host of players since last season, leaving them without a recognised striker amid transfer speculation surrounding Ollie Watkins.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and England forward Watkins were missing from Villa’s squad amid reports they will join Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Morgan Rogers through the exit door.
Victor Lindelof’s calamitous own goal and a close-range finish from Maxim De Cuyper set the Seagulls on course for a resounding win.
Hinshelwood’s quickfire double took the game away from Unai Emery’s shell-shocked side before Villa midfielder Joao Gomes was sent off on his league debut just before half-time. (AFP)
