Manchester City's post-Guardiola era in the Premier League begins with a spectacular upset: Italian Enzo Maresca's team overturns Bournemouth in the final minutes of extra time and wins 2-1. The "Cherries" take the lead in the 26th minute through Tavernier, the "Citizens" equalize in the 84th minute thanks to Guehi and then win the match in the 91st minute with Guardiola. A shocking debut, meanwhile, for Aston Villa, which is defeated 4-0 at Brighton: for the "Seagulls" De Cuyper (18') and Hinshelwood (30' and 31') score twice, after Lindelof's own goal (8').
MANCHESTER CITY-BOURNEMOUTH 2-1
A very emotional victory for Manchester City on their debut, 2-1 against Bournemouth in extra time. Coach Maresca's team started well and tried to create chances, but just before the half-hour mark it was the visitors who broke the deadlock: Evanilson's assist for Tavernier's goal in the 26th minute. Even before the break, the home team immediately sought an equalizer, but at the double whistle the score remained unchanged.
The second half is a total siege by the “Citizens”, who nevertheless seem unable to break through the opposing defense. The home team needs a standard shot to get back into the game: in the 84th minute, Guehi jumps and heads in a corner kick, bringing the game back into balance. The “Cherries” feel the blow and in the 91st minute the team led by Maresca completes the reversal: another siege in the “red and black” penalty area, with Guardiola finding the decisive shot for the final score 2-1. Manchester City of the post-Guardiola era starts with difficulty, but with three points; Bournemouth, a good team, remains without a point.
BRIGHTON-ASTON VILLA 4-0
Shocking debut for Aston Villa: Brighton celebrate with three points and a sensational 4-0 victory, secured in just over half an hour of play. Things started badly for Emery from the start, when in the eighth minute Lindelof scored an unfortunate own goal. Ten minutes later, De Cuyper scored the second goal, but the situation for the “Villans” continued to deteriorate.
Another twelve minutes pass and the "Seagulls" score a double killer strike, which completely destroys the Villans' hopes: in the 30th and 31st minutes, Hinshelwood scores first with a header and then with his right foot, securing the third and fourth goals respectively, just after half an hour of play.
The problems for Emery, however, are not over, because in the 40th minute, Joao Gomes, after the intervention of VAR, is also punished with a direct red card for a serious tackle. The second half is a monologue of the locals, who nevertheless do not increase the advantage and "satisfy" with the final victory 4-0. A disaster for Aston Villa in the first match; Brighton starts the season on the right foot.
