Manchester City 1-0 Coventry: Haaland’s header maintains Maresca’s perfect City start
Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 win over newly promoted Coventry City.
Erling Haaland once again proved decisive for the champions, heading home the only goal after City were forced to withstand sustained pressure from their hosts.
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The victory means City have won all three of their league matches so far, while Coventry remain without a point or a goal since returning to the top flight.
Haaland makes the difference
City’s winning goal came when Antoine Semenyo produced a well-delivered cross towards the far post.
Haaland attacked the ball with power and directed his header beyond Carl Rushworth to give the visitors the lead.
New £125 million signing Enzo Fernandez played an important role in the move, producing a precise pass to release Semenyo.
The Norwegian could have added to his tally, but Rushworth denied him with a strong save from a powerful effort.
Haaland also thought he had doubled City’s advantage with a close-range finish in the second half, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Fernandez was involved again when Rayan Cherki was played into a dangerous position, although the Frenchman could only find the post with his effort.
Donnarumma keeps City ahead
Despite City’s control in the scoreline, Coventry created enough opportunities to punish the visitors.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was particularly important, producing several impressive saves to preserve City’s advantage.
The Italy captain denied Jack Rudoni with a diving stop before making another full-length save to keep out Loum Tchaouna’s low effort.
Donnarumma was called upon again in the closing stages when substitute Ellis Simms threatened to equalise, but the goalkeeper stood firm.
Coventry had earlier missed a major opportunity when Taiwo Awoniyi capitalised on a loose pass from Semenyo and raced through on goal.
However, the Nigerian forward dragged his effort wide, leaving Coventry still waiting for their first goal and point of the season.