New-look Haaland shut out as Man City wins late

August 23, 2026 No Comments

Two late goals save Man City blushes against Bournemouth in Premier League openerESPNMultiple AuthorsAug 23, 2026, 11:03 AM ET

Late goals from Marc Guéhi and Josko Gvardiol rescued Manchester City who eventually beat Bournemouth 2-1 in their Premier League opener.

Enzo Maresca was six minutes away from losing his first league game in the City dugout.

His side trailed to a 26th-minute goal from Bournemouth’s James Tavernier. But Guéhi headed home from a corner in the 84th minute to begin a turnaround.

Rayan Cherki then threaded a pass into the box where Gvardiol bundled it home in the second minute of stoppage time. After a lengthy VAR check, the goal was given and Maresca’s men celebrated.

Manchester City struck late to beat Bournemouth. GettyMaresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola at City, had a baptism of fire when his side lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield, but he avoided consecutive defeats.His lack of midfield options were apparent (City have lost Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders this summer but have signed Elliot Anderson) because Guéhi played further forwards than his usual center back role.

Erling Haaland uncharacteristically missed a volley when he mistimed the ball from close range. His famed flowing locks are no more. The City superstar has a new hairstyle for the new Premier League season: A buzz cut that went viral on social media on Sunday ahead of the team’s opening match.

It didn’t help him. The Norway striker missed a couple of great chances.

Haaland has become one of the most easily distinguishable sport stars in recent years because of his long hair.

In a video on Haaland’s YouTube channel, Zlatan Ibrahimovic asked if the City striker had “lost a bet” when he was shown the new hairstyle.

“You gonna be faster now, or what?” Ibrahimovic mentioned.

Former City manager Guardiola reacted to the haircut by saying: “You’re lucky to have hair. I would love to have it!”

Haaland arrived at Etihad Stadium for the Bournemouth game wearing a cap, but that had been removed for the warmup — revealing the buzz cut.

Although his couldn’t find his shooting boots, he was bailed out by last-gasp strikes from Guéhi and Gvardiol which ensured City avoided a surprise opening defeat as their rivals Manchester United suffered on Saturday against Hull City.

Associated Press contributed to this report.