Manchester City Opens Premier League Season With Two Straight Wins

Manchester City entered the 2026/27 Premier League season facing high expectations and some uncertainty. Enzo Maresca took charge as manager, replacing Pep Guardiola, which marked a significant shift for the club. The team also faced scrutiny over previous financial matters, raising questions about their stability and focus, according to Time.news.

Their opening match was set at home against Bournemouth. Both Maresca and Bournemouth's manager were new to their roles, adding intrigue to the opening weekend, as the BBC Football reported.

On August 23, 2026, Manchester City hosted Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. The match quickly became a test of character. City fell behind to a goal from Bournemouth's James Tavernier, according to ESPN. The game appeared to be slipping away, but City responded late in dramatic fashion.

Marc Guéhi and Josko Gvardiol scored late goals, with Gvardiol netting the winner in the final moments. Rayan Cherki, coming off the bench, assisted both goals and was widely credited with changing the direction of the game. The Guardian and L'Équipe noted Cherki's immediate impact, while Maresca called the win crucial for his start as manager, as reported by Sky Sports.

Just days later, City traveled to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on August 28. This time, City established control early and maintained it. Erling Haaland scored twice, marking his first goals of the season, and Rayan Cherki added two more. The BBC and Al Jazeera highlighted City's dominance and the standout performances from both Cherki and Haaland. Palace managed only a consolation goal from a City own goal, according to BirGün.

Maresca praised Cherki's "complete" performance after the win, as reported by ESPN FC. The result gave City their second consecutive league win and maintained their unbeaten status.

Manchester City stands atop the Premier League table with two wins from two matches. The team appears to be adapting quickly to Maresca's leadership, with key players like Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki delivering impactful performances. Cherki's emergence as both a super sub and a potential starter has become a talking point, with pundits and coaches alike recognizing his influence.

City's confident start has reassured supporters after a summer of transition, and they look poised to challenge for the title once again.

Attention now turns to whether Rayan Cherki will secure a regular starting role, given his recent contributions. City's next matches, including Champions League fixtures, will test the squad's depth and Maresca's tactical approach as the season progresses.