Manchester City showcased their early season potential by preserving their perfect winning streak after three Premier League matches – but had to hold on to leave newly promoted Coventry still in pursuit of their first point of the season.
The outcome was ultimately pleasing for City manager Enzo Maresca, as he handed debuts to Iliman Ndiaye and £125m acquisition Enzo Fernandez, who was included moments before the start due to Nico O’Reilly’s injury during warm-up.
The match-winner was the city’s star striker Erling Haaland, who emphatically headed in the sole goal of the day after Antoine Semenyo delivered a cross to the far post. Fernandez was instrumental in the goal with a precise pass to the Ghanaian.
On a different day, Norway forward Haaland might have scored a hat-trick. His powerful shot was deflected by the opposing keeper Carl Rushworth, and a subsequent close-range attempt in the second half was disallowed for offside.
Rayan Cherki cut inside and hit the base of a post after receiving a pass from Fernandez, but City appreciated goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made several crucial saves.
The Italy captain prevented Jack Rudoni’s diving header at the far post and Loum Tchaouna’s low shot with a full-length save, and remained resolute to deny substitute Ellis Simms in the closing moments.
Frank Lampard’s team ought to have taken the lead when Taiwo Awoniyi seized a stray ball from Semenyo and charged towards the goal, but the Nigerian shot off target, keeping Coventry scoreless this season.
