Man City manager Enzo Maresca surprised everyone by starting Marc Guehi in a holding midfield role against Bournemouth. The former Crystal Palace captain scored the winning header in the 84th minute to secure a 2-1 comeback victory after a 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal. Guehi, deployed out of position, completed 94.9% of his passes, won all three tackles, and eight duels.

Maresca praised the tactical experiment, saying Guehi 'provides a solution' in midfield. The win eased pressure after City's opening defeat and came just 50 minutes before kick-off, despite reports of an £86m deal for Lille's Mohamed Bouaddi. Bouaddi, 18, is set to join City as a club-record signing, alongside the summer arrival of Nico González.

Guehi's versatility shifted focus from criticism to praise, with the player crediting team support for his comfort in the new role. Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola, affirmed his intent to strengthen the squad before the September 1 transfer deadline.