Chelsea fans applaud Enzo Maresca ‘genius’ as Man City beat Bournemouth late on

Who are Chelsea’s world-class players?

We’re going with Cole Palmer, Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez! 🤩

It came as no surprise that Maresca was appointed as Pep Guardiola’s heir; big shoes to fill for Guardiola’s old assistant. The Community Shield saw Chelsea fans poke fun at Maresca as Arsenal eased to a 3-0 win.

Maresca took charge of his first Premier League game as City manager on Sunday, facing Bournemouth at home. Until the 84th minute, it looked as if the Cherries would secure an unlikely 1-0 win against City.

Enzo Maresca masterminds late comeback win vs Bournemouth

However, Maresca was not going to let City lose without a fight. He brought on Rayan Cherki, and it proved to be the difference. The Frenchman got two assists as City came back to win 2-1 very late on.

The former Lyon star created Marc Guehi’s goal from a corner, picking the former Chelsea man out with precision. Then, it was his gorgeous pass into Josko Gvardiol that saw City come from behind to win.

Immediately after the full-time whistle, Chelsea fans reacted to Maresca masterminding a 2-1 win over Bournemouth with his introduction of Cherki. Many were impressed and praised the new City boss.

It wasn’t the only tweak that Maresca made, and critics will obviously point towards the fact that Cherki didn’t start – or simply that Cherki is a player capable of changing a game, simply due to his quality.

But plenty of Chelsea fans praised the City boss. One said: “Maresca did those tactical tweaks right”, while another described his ability to tweak a game as “outrageous”, branding him “top tactically in big games.”

More plaudits continued to come in for Maresca from the Chelsea fanbase, while one supporter said “many will have to change their narrative” regarding Maresca, with some hopeful he would fail at City.

Enzo Maresca remains unbeaten against Bournemouth

It was the sixth time Maresca has managed against Bournemouth, with his first coming in charge of Leicester. The Foxes managed to beat the Cherries 1-0 in the fifth round of the FA Cup back in 2024.

Who will be a bigger success – Enzo Maresca or Xabi Alonso? 🤔

City have confirmed Maresca will replace Guardiola.

The next four games against the Cherries came while in charge at Chelsea, winning his first game against them in only his fourth Premier League match as Chelsea boss. He would go on to draw the next three.

Now, Maresca has secured a third win and remained unbeaten against Bournemouth, despite being a few minutes away from doing so. His decision to bring Cherki on saved the day, as City earn a 2-1 victory.