Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the 26th minute, powering a header into the far corner after Antoine Semenyo delivered a cross following a well-timed pass from new signing Enzo Fernandez.
The victory means City have won all three of their league matches this season, although they were made to work hard for the points as Coventry created several opportunities.
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Haaland came close to adding to his tally, but Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth denied him with a strong save, while another second-half effort was ruled out for offside.
Rayan Cherki also struck the post for the hosts after being set up by Fernandez, while Coventry repeatedly tested City’s defence.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was particularly important for the champions, producing a series of saves to preserve City’s lead. The Italy goalkeeper denied Jack Rudoni and Loum Tchaouna before making another late stop to keep out substitute Ellis Simms.
Coventry had a major chance to equalise when Taiwo Awoniyi broke through on goal after collecting a loose pass, but the Nigerian striker sent his effort wide.
City dominated possession with 78 per cent and attempted 800 passes, but Coventry’s attacking threat ensured the home side could not relax.
The match also marked the first meeting between the clubs in 24 years, with City extending their unbeaten run against promoted teams to 31 matches.
Haaland has now scored in each of his three league appearances this season and has found the net against 24 of the 25 Premier League opponents he has faced, with Sunderland the only exception.
Elliot Anderson was another standout performer for City, completing an impressive 155 passes, while Marc Guéhi and Rúben Dias also surpassed 100 attempted passes.
The game marked winning Premier League debuts for Fernandez and Iliman Ndiaye, with Fernandez joining the starting line-up shortly before kick-off following an injury to Nico O’Reilly during the warm-up.
For Coventry, the defeat leaves them without a point or a goal from their opening three matches. It is the first time in the club’s history that they have lost their first three league games without scoring.
The result also extended Frank Lampard’s difficult Premier League run, with the Coventry manager having won only one of his last 20 matches in the competition.
