It seemed set to be a losing debut for Guardiola’s successor until Manchester City snatched victory with two late goals against Bournemouth.
Maresca badly needed this result after City were outclassed by Arsenal in the Community Shield. At full time his reaction looked as much about relief as celebration. Early wins are essential to calm post-Guardiola nerves and smooth the handover.
He called the day “perfect,” though it came very close to being anything but.
Haaland’s new haircut isn’t the only change at City this season. At times they dominated the ball without much threat, a familiar theme from Maresca’s spells at Leicester City and Chelsea. Deploying Marc Guehi in midfield was an intriguing tactical tweak.
Above all, Maresca wanted three points by any means—and City got them, even if the performance still felt like a work in progress.