Erling Haaland scored his third goal of the season as Manchester City beat Coventry 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium to make it three Premier League victories from three and remain top of the table.
The Norway striker settled a hard-fought contest in the 26th minute, rising to power a header past Carl Rushworth after Antoine Semenyo had been released down the right by debutant Enzo Fernández.
City had chances to extend their lead, with Haaland denied by Rushworth before the interval and later seeing another effort ruled out for offside. Rayan Cherki also struck the inside of a post as the hosts pressed for a second goal.
Coventry threatened an equaliser after the break, but Gianluigi Donnarumma kept Manchester City ahead with important saves from Loum Tchaouna and Ellis Simms.
Fernández was brought into the starting line-up shortly before kick-off after Nico O’Reilly withdrew during the warm-up. Iliman Ndiaye also made his City debut as the club’s new signings were handed immediate opportunities in the opening weeks of the campaign.
The result leaves Manchester City three points clear at the top after three matches. Haaland’s header was ultimately enough to preserve their perfect start, despite Coventry making the league leaders work for victory.
