Josko Gvardiol insists Manchester City fully deserved their dramatic Premier League opening day win after his stoppage-time goal completed a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
Enzo Maresca’s first league game in charge as Pep Guardiola’s successor could hardly have been more eventful.
Marcus Tavernier gave the visitors a deserved lead in the 26th minute after a composed Bournemouth first half, and for long periods it appeared the Cherries were on course for a historic first Premier League win at the Etihad.
City’s response in the final ten minutes was breathless. Substitute Rayan Cherki changed the game from the moment he came on, and it was his delivery from a corner that allowed Marc Guehi to rise and head home the equaliser in the 84th minute.
The Croatian then appeared to have won it in the first minute of stoppage time when he stabbed home from close range after Cherki’s cross found him in space, only for the linesman’s flag to cut short the celebrations. Gvardiol waited.
When the VAR review confirmed the goal would stand, the Etihad erupted.
“Everyone is proud in the moment,” Gvardiol told Sky Sports. “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. We need to enjoy this, we deserve it and I’m happy with the three points.”
The Croatia international admitted the wait for the VAR decision was nerve-shredding, even if he felt confident the flag had gone up in error.
“To be fair, I was quite sure I was onside, but it’s difficult – in that moment you are just waiting to see the referee’s reaction,” he said. “I am glad in the end it’s a goal.”
The win arrives as something of a tonic after City were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal in the Community Shield at Cardiff last weekend.
Maresca will be relieved that his side’s Premier League campaign began on a more positive note, even if the manner of the win exposed areas that will need addressing.
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