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Post-Pep Premier League era begins
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Manchester City beat Bournemouth 2-1 in Enzo Maresca's first Premier League game, with Gvardiol's stoppage-time winner. The post-Pep era begins with uncertainty across the league.
Background
Pep Guardiola left Manchester City after a highly successful tenure, and Enzo Maresca has taken over as manager. The 2026-27 Premier League season began with Arsenal as title favourites, but the departure of Guardiola has created uncertainty not just at City but across the league. Bournemouth also have a new manager, Marco Rose, after Andoni Iraola left for Liverpool.
How it unfolded
- Aug 21, 2026The new Premier League season begins, with Arsenal facing Coventry City as champions.
- Aug 23, 2026Manchester City host Bournemouth in their opening fixture; Gvardiol scores a stoppage-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory, giving Maresca a winning start.
- Aug 24, 2026Commentators note the new era's 'hyper-managed shock and awe' as the season's opening weekend concludes.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- The post-Guardiola era is marked by uncertainty and upheaval across the Premier League, not just at Manchester City.
- Support
- Maresca's winning start with a late winner shows City's resilience and ability to dig deep.
Still unverified
Reports of Tottenham's interest in a double swoop for Savinho and Omar Marmoush are unconfirmed.