From despair to delight: Marseca and Iraola rescued by late strikes

By Razeen Gutta

Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City started life after Pep Guardiola with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth at the Etihad, while Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool reign began with a last-gasp 2-2 draw at Newcastle.

On opening weekend Sunday in the Premier League, both City and Liverpool hoped to do better than their rivals Manchester United, who succumbed to a shock 2-0 defeat against newly-promoted Hull City.

City looked set for more frustration after last week’s 3-0 FA Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, as Marcus Tavernier put Bournemouth ahead in the first half.

Guardiola’s successor turned to Rayan Cherki from the bench and the Frenchman changed the game.

Cherki assisted both goals. Marc Guehi headed in the equaliser with six minutes remaining, before Josko Gvardiol struck the stoppage-time winner to give Maresca a perfect echo of Guardiola’s own debut win over Sunderland in 2016.

At St James’ Park, Liverpool’s new era under Iraola – following Arne Slot’s sacking, Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor and a takeover by a Jeff Bezos-fronted consortium – was almost a losing one.

Following an emotional tribute from both sides to their late great Kevin Keegan, it was Anthony Elanga who put Newcastle ahead early.

Cody Gakpo levelled matters after the break, but Joe Willock restored the lead with his first league goal since 2024.

The Magpies look almost certain to pick up a big win, but Dominik Szoboszlai rescued it for Liverpool with a penalty from the final kick of the game after Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz.

Elsewhere, Brighton thrashed a depleted Aston Villa 4-0, with Jack Hinshelwood scoring twice in two minutes.

On Monday, Chelsea make the short trip to Fulham in a London derby that will see new bosses Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Albeloa face-off against one another.

Pictured above: Liverpool

Source: @liverpoolfc