Rayan Cherki came off the bench to transform Manchester City's fortunes against Bournemouth, providing two assists as Enzo Maresca's side came from behind to claim a dramatic Premier League victory — and a winning start to the new era at the Etihad.

A slow start for City

Bournemouth arrived at the Etihad for Marco Rose's managerial debut and left their hosts stunned early on. Marcus Tavernier coolly converted at the back post to give the visitors the lead, and for long stretches City struggled to respond.

Erling Haaland was guilty of spurning a gilt-edged chance from a matter of yards in the first half, then blazed over and scuffed another wide after the break. Gianluigi Donnarumma was the busier goalkeeper despite City's home advantage, producing sharp stops to deny Justin Kluivert and Daniel Jebbison.

In midfield, Marc Guehi operated in an unfamiliar holding role — an experiment that raised eyebrows — while Nico O'Reilly, deployed at number 10, made little impression before being withdrawn after the hour mark.

Cherki sparks the comeback

The introduction of Cherki on 62 minutes fundamentally changed the contest. The French forward injected urgency and creativity into City's play, fashioning the two late goals that turned the result on its head.

Guehi broke forward to level the scores before Josko Gvardiol — who had been invisible during Bournemouth's opener — emerged from nowhere to stroke home an injury-time winner. Djordje Petrovic had kept Bournemouth competitive with a pair of fine saves earlier in the match, but could not prevent the late collapse.

Bournemouth's bright spots

Despite the defeat, Rose will take heart from several encouraging performances. Alex Scott was outstanding in central midfield, demonstrating the composure and technical quality that have attracted interest from City themselves. Antonio Silva, making his debut as a ball-playing centre-half, looked assured against a physical Haaland and earned strong reviews despite picking up a yellow card for dissent.

Tavernier's opener was a composed finish, Evanilson laid it on with a perfectly weighted low cross, and Rayan caused constant problems before forcing Donnarumma into a fine near-post save. The front line gave City's defence a torrid evening — it was only Cherki's intervention that prevented a memorable victory for the visitors.

For Maresca, the three points will matter far more than the performance. Cherki, expected to push for a starting berth at Crystal Palace on Friday, announced his arrival in emphatic fashion.