„City“ started the match quite nervously. „Bournemouth“ not only scored first – in the 26th minute Marcus Tavernier took advantage of a defensive mistake by „City“, but also managed to defend successfully for a long time.
„City“ had chances – Erling Haaland missed dangerous moments, but the hosts found it increasingly difficult to break through the compact opponent’s defense. However, they broke through.
In the 84th minute, Marc Guehi headed to equalize, and after seven minutes Josko Gvardiol successfully “closed” the pass. Both „City“ goals were created after Cherki’s passes in set-piece situations.
“It was a perfect day, to be honest,” said Enzo Maresca after the match. He especially highlighted the support of the fans – before the match, a huge banner with the inscription “Welcome back Enzo” was displayed at the „Etihad“ stadium.
E. Maresca worked with the „City“ club’s reserve team in 2020.
“When the match started and I saw that banner on the other side, I was very pleased. I was even more pleased because we could give them three points, although the game was not as we wanted for a long time. But we managed to show character.”
„Liverpool“ also started the season with a real nerve war – away against „Newcastle United“ they fought out a 2:2 draw, although until the 90th minute they were close to losing.
Both teams entered the season with new coaches – Matthias Jaissle leads „Newcastle“, and „Liverpool“ played their first official match under Andoni Iraola.
Already in the 5th minute, Anthony Elanga put the hosts ahead. Will Osula excellently found the sprinting Swede in a counterattack, who opened the „Newcastle“ scoring account.
„Liverpool“ controlled the ball but struggled to create real chances before halftime. After the break, „Liverpool“ finally scored: in the 55th minute Cody Gakpo equalized with a great long-range shot – 1:1.
But „Newcastle“ responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, in the 57th minute, Joe Willock broke into the penalty area after a quick attack and with a precise shot into the far corner put the hosts ahead again – 2:1.
„Newcastle“ had opportunities to close the match. Yoane Wissa missed several good chances, and „Liverpool“ looked lacking ideas in attack for a long time. However, luck smiled on the visitors.
In the 99th minute, „Liverpool“ was awarded a penalty when Lewis Hall fouled Viktor Munoz in the penalty area. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and calmly converted the penalty – 2:2.
Andoni Iraola, „Liverpool“’s coach, was pleased not so much with the play but with the team’s character: “I appreciate the players’ efforts. They never gave up, and in the end, we managed to at least get one point back. This is not the result we wanted before the match, but obviously, scoring in the last minute makes the feeling better. I don’t think we deserved to lose today.”
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