City faced Marco Rose’s Bournemouth in the first competitive game of the post-Pep Guardiola era at the Etihad.
New manager Enzo Maresca named an interesting starting eleven, with Marc Guehi playing as a defensive midfielder and Rico Lewis coming in from the cold.
Bournemouth took the lead in the 26th minute through Marcus Tavernier, and as the game went on, it was looking like it would be a nightmare start to Maresca’s reign.
Late goals from Guehi and Gvardiol ended up securing all three points for the home side and City started 2026-27 with an edgy win.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Gvardiol insisted his side deserved the win, saying: "Everyone is proud in the moment, it's the opening game of the season and we know how important it is, especially with all the changes we've had in the previous weeks. We need to enjoy this, we deserve it and I'm happy with the three points."
On his goal: "To be fair, I was quite sure I was onside, but it's difficult, in that moment you are just waiting to see the referee's reaction. I am glad in the end it's a goal.
"Every game is important, especially here in England. I would say the most important thing is that we won today. There is another game, Crystal Palace away, which is going to be difficult as well."