Cherki off the bench: two assists that flipped City’s opener

Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth was heading the wrong way for the hosts until Rayan Cherki took over. Trailing to a first-half goal despite dominating the ball, City turned to their bench — and Cherki, introduced after the hour, set up both goals in the closing stretch to rescue three points.

City had 66% possession and 2.36 xG to Bournemouth’s 0.63, but for an hour the final pass would not land. Marcus Tavernier had punished them on 26 minutes from an Evanilson assist, and the pattern — plenty of ball, not enough penetration — threatened to cost City until the game’s decisive substitute arrived.

Cherki’s creativity was the difference. He teed up Marc Guéhi to level on 84, then delivered again for Joško Gvardiol to complete the turnaround in the 90th minute. From a single introduction, City’s attack found the incision it had lacked all evening — proof of how one creator can unlock a stubborn, deep-lying defence.

City escape with the win and a reminder that squad depth can paper over an off day — but 2.36 xG needing this late a rescue is a warning about ruthlessness. Bournemouth will feel aggrieved: they defended a plan for 84 minutes before one player’s quality undid it. On another night, they hold on.