Liverpool snatch late draw with Newcastle as Iraola era begins

Enzo Maresca made a dramatic start to Manchester City's post-Pep Guardiola era with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, while Andoni Iraola escaped with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle in his first game as Liverpool boss.

On a day when two of the Premier League's biggest clubs began new eras, it was Maresca that finished happier, although neither manager could be completely satisfied after a pair of inconsistent performances.

At the Etihad Stadium, Marcus Tavernier's first-half goal put Bournemouth ahead before Maresca's side staged a pulsating fightback in the final minutes.

Inspired by Maresca's decision to send on French playmaker Rayan Cherki, who provided the assists for both goals, Marc Guehi headed City's equaliser with six minutes left before Josko Gvardiol stroked in the stoppage-time winner.

Guardiola won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, during a glorious decade with City.

His reign started with a late win at home to Sunderland in 2016 and Maresca will hope his own narrow victory serves as the prelude to an equally successful spell. 

City's lacklustre 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in last weekend's Community Shield raised questions about their ability to keep pace with the Premier League champions this season.

For much of their top-flight opener, City were again short of inspiration in attack and cohesion at the back.

But they found a way to dig out a result that allowed Maresca to breath a sigh of relief.

"The impact was unbelievable, he is that kind of player," Maresca said.

"I like Rayan, I told him also after the game, but sometimes when you plan a game and you already have (picked) four out of 11 players who arrived late (from holidays), if you go with one more