Manchester City fans have reacted with a mixture of relief, excitement and concern after Enzo Maresca’s side produced a dramatic late comeback against Bournemouth at the Etihad.
City appeared to be heading towards a disappointing result after falling behind, but two late goals completely changed the mood inside the stadium. An 85th-minute equaliser was followed by a 92nd-minute winner as Manchester City snatched all three points.
The result sparked plenty of celebration among supporters on social media. However, the reaction to the performance was far from universally positive.
For many Manchester City fans, the biggest talking point was Rayan Cherki.
Supporters were particularly impressed by the French playmaker and quickly made their feelings known. Several fans believe Cherki must now become a regular starter under Maresca after his influence on the game.
At the same time, others remain worried about how Manchester City are performing under their new manager.
Manchester City fans demand more from Rayan Cherki
One of the strongest themes from the reaction was the belief that Rayan Cherki should not be left out of the starting XI again.
One supporter simply wrote: “Cherki shouldn’t be benched ever again.”
Another fan went even further, arguing that Maresca should never leave the creative midfielder out if he wants to succeed at Manchester City.
That reaction reflects a growing feeling among supporters that Cherki can provide something City have been missing.
Manchester City have traditionally relied heavily on players capable of breaking down stubborn defensive teams. Against Bournemouth, that creativity was especially important as City struggled to turn possession into clear opportunities for long periods.
Cherki’s ability to receive the ball between the lines, carry it forward and create chances gives Maresca another attacking weapon.
Another supporter summed up the feeling with a simple “Thank you Cherki”, while another posted “Cherki!!” immediately after the dramatic finish.
The reaction was clear: supporters believe the Frenchman deserves significant responsibility during the season.
Fans divided over Maresca’s Manchester City tactics
While the late comeback generated plenty of excitement, some supporters were far less impressed with the overall performance.
One fan described the match as a “Horrible game”, while another offered an even harsher assessment.
That frustration is understandable.
Manchester City are expected to dominate matches, control possession and create opportunities consistently. A home match against Bournemouth ending in a late rescue operation was never going to satisfy every supporter.
There is also a recognition that Maresca is still developing his own Manchester City team.
The Italian coach succeeded Pep Guardiola in June 2026 and is attempting to establish his own tactical identity. That process was always likely to involve experimentation, adjustments and occasional frustration.
However, supporters are already demanding progress.
One fan compared the situation with the early days of Guardiola’s Manchester City tenure, suggesting that while difficult victories can happen, the football under Guardiola had a clearer sense of creativity and purpose.
The message to Maresca is therefore straightforward.
Winning is important, but Manchester City fans also want to see evidence that the team is developing.
Late comeback changes the mood
Despite the criticism, the dramatic ending produced an entirely different atmosphere among supporters.
Manchester City scored twice in the final stages to turn a potential defeat into a memorable victory.
That ability to keep fighting until the final whistle was one of the most encouraging aspects of the afternoon.
One supporter posted “What a match!”, while others celebrated with messages such as “LET’S GOOOO” and “BLUE MOON!!!!!”
Another fan claimed to see the return of the club’s famous winning mentality.
For a new manager, those moments can be extremely valuable.
A team still adapting to a new tactical system can gain confidence from victories like this. The players learn that difficult matches can still be won, even when the performance is not perfect.
That mentality could become important as the season progresses.
Grealish also receives praise
Rayan Cherki was not the only player attracting positive attention.
Jack Grealish was also mentioned by supporters, with one fan suggesting that his presence had brought back Manchester City’s “luck factor”.
The comment reflects the emotional nature of football supporters’ reactions after a dramatic victory.
Grealish’s return to the Manchester City setup has generated interest, and supporters will be hoping that he can rediscover his best form under Maresca.
The combination of Grealish and Cherki could provide Maresca with different creative options.
Grealish can carry the ball, draw defenders towards him and create space for teammates. Cherki, meanwhile, offers imagination and technical quality in advanced areas.
If both players find consistency, Manchester City could have an exciting attacking partnership.
Some supporters fear Manchester City will struggle against stronger teams
Not everyone was convinced by the comeback.
One particularly pessimistic supporter warned: “We will get destroyed by a good team.”
That comment highlights one of the biggest concerns emerging from the fan reaction.
Beating Bournemouth is valuable, but Manchester City’s biggest ambitions will be judged against the strongest teams in the Premier League and Europe.
Supporters want to know whether Maresca’s tactical approach can withstand intense pressure against elite opposition.
A late comeback against Bournemouth demonstrates character. It does not automatically solve the defensive or tactical questions that were visible during the match.
That is why the coming weeks could be particularly important.
Maresca will have to find the right balance between attacking creativity and defensive stability.
Fans are already looking at Maresca’s learning curve
There was also criticism directed directly at the new Manchester City manager.
One supporter labelled Maresca a “terrible manager”, while others questioned some of his decisions during the match.
The reaction may appear harsh, especially this early in his Manchester City tenure, but it demonstrates the expectations surrounding the club.
Replacing Guardiola was always going to be an enormous challenge.
Guardiola left behind an incredibly high standard, and supporters have become accustomed to watching Manchester City dominate opponents.
Maresca therefore has very little room for patience when results or performances fail to meet expectations.
At the same time, the comeback gives him something important: time.
Winning while still searching for the best tactical formula is far better than losing while making those adjustments.
The new Manchester City boss will now be hoping that the Bournemouth victory becomes a foundation rather than simply another dramatic escape.
Manchester City fans can celebrate, but Maresca still has work to do
The reaction to Manchester City’s victory over Bournemouth ultimately tells two different stories.
The first is positive.
City showed character, refused to give up and produced two late goals to secure three points. Supporters celebrated the comeback and appeared particularly excited by Cherki’s contribution.
The second story is more concerning.
Some fans remain unconvinced by the overall performance and believe Manchester City could be exposed against stronger opposition if improvements are not made.
That tension is likely to continue throughout Maresca’s first season.
The Italian coach has inherited a squad capable of competing for major honours, but he must also create his own identity.
For many supporters, the biggest lesson from the Bournemouth match is that Cherki needs to be heavily involved.
The Frenchman has already made an impression, and fans clearly want to see much more of him.
If Maresca can combine Cherki’s creativity with the resilience shown during Sunday’s comeback, Manchester City could become a dangerous side.
For now, however, supporters can enjoy the three points.
Manchester City came from behind, scored in the 85th and 92nd minutes and turned frustration into celebration.
It was not the perfect performance.
But it was certainly a memorable way to win.
