Gvardiol seals late comeback
Enzo Maresca’s first league game ended dramatically as Manchester City overturned a deficit to beat AFC Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad on 23 August 2026. Marcus Tavernier had put Bournemouth ahead, but substitutes Rayan Cherki supplied assists for Marc Guéhi and Joško Gvardiol’s stoppage‑time finish to clinch the win.
Source: Manchester City
Tavernier’s bright start undone
AFC Bournemouth took the lead at the Etihad through Marcus Tavernier on 23 August 2026 and showed real threat in the first half, but their advantage was overturned late. Rayan Cherki’s influence off the bench helped Manchester City score twice in the final minutes as Bournemouth fell 1-2.
Source: Manchester City
Brighton rout Aston Villa
Brighton produced a stunning opening as they scored four times inside 31 minutes to beat Aston Villa 4-0 at the Amex on 23 August 2026. The Seagulls’ early intensity overwhelmed Villa, and the visitors’ afternoon was compounded when new signing João Gomes was shown a red card on his debut.
Source: Sky Sports
Gomes sent off on debut
Aston Villa endured a difficult opening day at the Amex on 23 August 2026 as João Gomes was dismissed on his debut and Villa conceded four times inside 31 minutes, suffering a 4-0 defeat. The scoreline underlined a heavy start to the season for Unai Emery’s side at Brighton.
Source: Sky Sports
Szoboszlai rescues Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai’s 99th‑minute penalty rescued Liverpool a 2-2 draw at Newcastle on 23 August 2026. Anthony Elanga had opened the scoring, Cody Gakpo levelled before Joe Willock restored Newcastle’s lead, and Szoboszlai converted a late spot‑kick to earn a stoppage‑time point for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Source: Liverpool FC