Raheem Sterling scored a last-gasp winner as Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1 before getting himself sent-off for inciting the crowd in a feisty game that saw plenty of yellow cards brandished at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Charlie Daniels’ 13th-minute stunner had got the Cherries off to a blistering start but they eventually faded and City would strike back via a quickly-taken free-kick eight minutes later.

Gabriel Jesus, chosen to lead the line for City ahead of Sergio Aguero, showed the presence of mind to get the game started by passing the ball to David Silva.

The Spaniard then unlocked Bournemouth’s defence with a brilliant through-ball which Jesus promptly dispatched beyond Asmir Begovic to notch his first goal of the season.

It could have been worse for the home side two minutes later when last-man Nathan Ake was robbed of possession by Jesus. The young defender promptly brought him down and was mightily received to see only a caution for what could have been a red-card offence on an another day.

Benjamin Mendy, on his debut, was in fine form and his rampaging runs and wicked crosses from the left caused Eddie Howe’s side all sorts of problems, but somehow the deliveries just about eluded his teammates.

The Sky Blues were dominant for the final half-hour of the first-half, but with Begovic standing firm and their own players wasteful with chances, there was to be no further goal before match referee Mike Dean blew the half-time whistle.

The second-half was low on quality, but high on drama for a flurry of cautions were dished out by Mike Dean with City’s players and manager, getting frustrated as the game progressed.

Joshua King and Nicolas Otamendi both hit the post in the final 45 minutes, but apart from those two chances, there was barely any excitement for the crowd gathered at the Vitality Stadium.

Pep Guardiola sent on Aguero and Leroy Sane in a bid to force a winner but with the Cherries standing firm, it looked like a draw was likely and the home side would earn their first points of the season.

Much to the chagrin of Guardiola and his coaching staff, Bournemouth’s players engaged in severe time-wasting tactics which prompted Mike Dean to signal for five minutes of added-time.

The English official wisely waved ‘play on’ even after five minutes had elapsed and City took advantage with Sterling scoring A  97th-minute winner before jumping into the away end to spark chaotic scenes.

Stewards and policemen were involved as they separated the City players from the fans and the young winger, who had cautioned a few minutes earlier, was given his marching orders as the Cherries were about to re-start the game.

Despite Sterling’s suspension, the game will come as a huge morale boost for Guardiola’s City, who now have seven points from three games and will head into the international break with renewed hope.

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For Eddie Howe and Bournemouth, however, their third loss in as many games tells the story and if they wish to avoid a relegation dogfight, a remarkable turnaround after the break will be the order of the day.