Manchester City make it three wins from three after Haaland settles Coventry contest

Manchester City continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over Coventry City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the match in the 26th minute, heading in from Antoine Semenyo’s precise cross to give the home side all three points.

The Norway striker found space at the far post before meeting Semenyo’s delivery from the right and powering his header into the net. The finish, which opened the scoring for Manchester City, proved enough to extend the club’s winning run.

Coventry City had threatened to take the lead before City settled into the game. Taiwo Awoniyi went close in the eighth minute after finding himself in a one-on-one position, but his effort went just wide of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s left-hand post.

Donnarumma had also endured an anxious moment two minutes earlier when a mistake almost allowed the ball to creep behind him and into the Manchester City goal.

The hosts dominated possession during the opening 45 minutes, controlling 83% of the ball and creating the clearer chances. Rayan Cherki struck the post in the 23rd minute, while Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth produced two strong saves to deny Haaland in the 16th and 44th minutes.

Despite Manchester City’s control, Coventry remained competitive after the interval and gradually began to pose a greater attacking threat. The visitors were unable to find an equaliser, however, with Donnarumma making important interventions.

The Italian goalkeeper saved from Loum Tchaouna in the 67th minute before preventing Ellis Simms from scoring six minutes from time. Simms’ close-range effort struck Donnarumma in the face, allowing Manchester City to preserve their narrow advantage.

Both sides made a series of changes during the second half. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca introduced Phil Foden for Cherki in the 65th minute, while Coventry brought on Tchaouna, Simms and Frank Onyeka as they attempted to turn the match around.

Manchester City’s defence held firm in the closing stages, ensuring that Haaland’s header remained the decisive moment at Etihad Stadium.

The result takes Manchester City to nine points from their opening three matches, leaving them temporarily top of the Premier League table. Coventry City, meanwhile, remain without a point after suffering three consecutive defeats at the start of the season.