Manchester City kicked off the 2026/27 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in their opening Premier League game at Etihad Stadium.
What can Manchester City fans expect from Josko Gvardiol this season?
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The Cherries took the lead in the 26th minute with Marcus Tavernier’s goal, assisted by Evanilson, while Marc Guehi levelled for the hosts with a header after being set up by Rayan Cherki with a cross following a corner in the 84th minute.
City’s winning goal came with Josko Gvardiol’s right-footed shot via another assist from Cherki with a delicate, intricate through ball in stoppage time.
Despite starting the new season with a win, concerns over Enzo Maresca’s backline have surfaced after their defensive display against Bournemouth - also in the backdrop of a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield, wherein the Blues fell behind 25 seconds after kick-off.
Gvardiol recently shared his take on the situation, explaining it to be less of a lapse in their defensive abilities and more of the squad adjusting to the new head coach’s tactics after being used to a different style under Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City have confirmed that defender Josko Gvardiol has signed a new long-term contract, extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031.cityxtra.co.ukJosko Gvardiol signs new Manchester City contract until 2031
Manchester City have confirmed that defender Josko Gvardiol has signed a new long-term contract, extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031.
It's going to work out, says Josko Gvardiol on Man City's defensive issues
The Community Shield, which was Maresca’s first competitive match as City’s manager, saw Arsenal trio Ricardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard get on the scoresheet while Maresca's troops struggled to break down the Premier League champions in Wales.
While they secured a win in their subsequent game against Bournemouth, the Cherries were in the lead for the majority of the clash, sparking doubts over Manchester City’s defensive approach.
Speaking after netting the winning goal against the Cherries, Gvardiol clarified that ‘it will take time’ for the squad to adjust to Maresca’s tactics.
"There is something that they used to do before at Chelsea and Leicester (City)," the 24-year-old said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that he remains unsure of his best starting XI as he continues to assess his players in training.cityxtra.co.ukI Don't Have an Ideal 11 Manchester City Players at The Moment, Says Enzo Maresca
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that he remains unsure of his best starting XI as he continues to assess his players in training.
"It's not too complicated but the problem is our habit is slightly different than what he wants from us so it will take time.
"Every day we are working on it, and I think at the end of the day, it's a good idea, and I think it's going to work out."
What’s next for Manchester City?
It remains to be seen how Manchester City line up in defence in their next Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday night.
Maresca raised eyebrows by deploying centre-half Marc Guehi in a midfield two alongside record City £116 million signing Elliot Anderson against Bournemouth.
Manchester City make the trip to South London as Enzo Maresca looks to build on his first Premier League and competitive win as manager on Friday night.cityxtra.co.ukCrystal Palace vs Man City (Premier League): Match Preview, Team News, Head to Head, How to Watch
Manchester City make the trip to South London as Enzo Maresca looks to build on his first Premier League and competitive win as manager on Friday night.
The Manchester City manager hinted in a press conference on Friday that Guehi remains an option for the Blues in midfield as club bosses recruit to fill the major void left in the middle of the park following the recent exits by Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez.