Manchester City 2–1 Bournemouth
Erling Haaland went without a goal as Manchester City beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League, Matchweek 1, on Sunday 23 August 2026.
Sunday, 23 August 2026 at 14:00 UK · Etihad Stadium · Win
Manchester City opened the Premier League season with a narrow 2–1 win over Bournemouth, sealed by two late goals from defensive players, including a stoppage-time winner. Erling Haaland endured a rough afternoon on his first outing with a new buzz cut, playing the full 90 minutes without a goal or assist as City clung on.
Opening-day win, but the first time Haaland has failed to score in his first Premier League game of a season. He debuted the buzzcut hours before kick-off: "Short hair don't care."
Haaland against Bournemouth
5 goals in 10 games (0.5 a game) · City W8 D1 L1 · 1 brace · since 2022-23
Every meeting with Bournemouth →Verified against Wikipedia and match reports, last change — Spotted a wrong number? Report it · See every correction
How it was reported
Barry: Haaland will leave City one day — next 2 years matter
Ex-City man Gareth Barry thinks Haaland won’t stay forever. He says City’s results over the next two years could shape what Haaland does next.
Read it on Times of India
Haaland explains the buzz cut: “Don’t worry, I’m fine” 😄
Haaland chopped off the long blonde hair before the Bournemouth opener and showed it in a YouTube vlog. Fans are joking—will the goals still fly in?
Read it on Hindustan Times
Haaland had a rough opener as City sneak past Bournemouth
City won 2-1 with two late goals from defenders, but Haaland didn’t have his best day up top. It’s got fans talking about transfers—more here.
Read it on Sports Illustrated