Late Gvardiol strike earns Maresca winning start and Brighton hammer Villa

The 2023-08-23 Premier League season kicked off with dramatic results for Manchester City and Aston Villa. Maresca's City claimed a 2-1 win against Bournemouth, thanks to a last-minute header by Josko Gvardiol. The defender had been denied by a VAR offside decision earlier in the match, but his winning goal sparked jubilation at the Etihad Stadium. Gvardiol expressed pride in the moment, acknowledging the team's efforts amid recent changes.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa faced a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. Brighton quickly took the lead through an own goal by Victor Lindelof, followed by goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Jack Hinshelwood. Villa's woes escalated when Gomes received a red card in the 40th minute, leaving them down to ten men. Despite their early frailties, Villa managed to score twice in a span of just two minutes, with Hinshelwood netting both goals.