Guehi's midfield gamble helps Maresca earn first league win

Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League match as Manchester City manager brought an unexpected tactical decision, a dramatic late comeback and a potential new midfield option.

The City boss deployed Marc Guehi, normally a centre-back, as a holding midfielder against Bournemouth. It was a bold choice after City’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and amid increasing pressure to improve a squad reshaped by Rodri’s move to Barcelona.

For much of the afternoon, the experiment appeared unlikely to succeed. City were heading towards consecutive defeats at the start of Maresca’s reign before Guehi rose to score an 84th-minute equaliser. Josko Gvardiol then completed the turnaround with a composed finish to secure a late victory.

A surprise role for Guehi

City’s team selection raised eyebrows before kick-off, with six players capable of operating in defence included in the starting line-up.

During the warm-up, Guehi’s positioning suggested he would be used in midfield rather than as part of the defensive line. Once the game began, that became clear: the former Crystal Palace captain was asked to operate as City’s deepest midfielder.

Guehi admitted the role was unfamiliar but said he had enjoyed the challenge.

“It was just an idea the manager had, and we worked on it in the week,” he told Sky Sports. “We’re trying different things and trying different solutions for the team. I’m glad today it paid off in the end.”

He added that he had rarely played in midfield before but was helped by the players around him.

“I enjoyed it simply because I got so much help from so many people. When you have that, you feel comfortable to go out and do what you can for the team.”

Maresca sees a solution

Maresca said he had long believed Guehi possessed the qualities to play in midfield.

“Marc Guehi has never played as a midfielder, but today he was very good,” the City manager told Match of the Day. “Sometimes you visualise things. I know Marc from Palace and I always thought he could play as a midfielder because he is very good.”

The England international’s performance backed up that assessment. Guehi scored his 10th Premier League goal with a towering header and won all three of his tackles, more than any other player in the match.

He also completed 94.9% of his 59 passes and won eight of his 11 duels, showing composure and physicality in an unfamiliar position.

Asked where he might play next weekend, Guehi joked: “Who knows? Maybe up front. We’ll see.”

City’s midfield rebuild continues

Guehi’s role may offer Maresca a short-term solution, but City’s midfield overhaul is still ongoing.

Mateo Kovacic began the match on the bench, while Elliot Anderson made his Premier League debut after joining the club for a record fee. Anderson played for an hour and showed his energy, mobility and ability to break up play.

Shortly before kick-off, City also agreed an £86m deal to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old is expected to join Anderson in a new-look midfield following Rodri’s departure and Tijjani Reijnders’ move to Saudi Arabia.

Maresca said he had not yet been informed of the Bouaddi deal by City’s decision-makers, underlining the scale of change at the club following Pep Guardiola’s summer exit.

Former City goalkeeper Joe Hart believes the current experimentation reflects a wider transition.

“They’ve completely changed everything about themselves, but they’re still expected to win,” Hart said.

Guehi may not become City’s long-term answer in midfield, particularly once Bouaddi arrives, but his display against Bournemouth gave Maresca an unexpected option—and, crucially, his first Premier League win.