Manchester City survive Coventry test to maintain perfect Premier League record

Manchester City held on for a 1-0 win against promoted Coventry City to preserve their 100% Premier League record, although Enzo Maresca’s expensively rebuilt side were made to work hard for a third consecutive victory.

Erling Haaland scored the only goal at The Etihad Stadium, with debutant Enzo Fernandez helping to create the decisive opportunity. The result leaves City top of the table with nine points, but Coventry, who are still searching for their first point, finished strongly and could reasonably feel they deserved more.

City’s victory came after their spending continued until Tuesday, when Argentina midfielder Fernandez arrived from Chelsea and Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye also joined the club. Both players were handed their debuts by Maresca against Coventry.

Midfielder Elliott Anderson also started after joining City for a club-record £115m, although that fee was later surpassed by Fernandez’s arrival. Coventry may have expected a difficult evening against a side that had completed a £450m (R9.7bn) rebuild, but they were able to unsettle the hosts for long periods.

Fernandez made an immediate contribution in the 26th minute. He slipped a pass through to Antoine Semenyo, whose cross was met by Haaland, allowing the Norway striker to head City in front.

The goal was Haaland’s 300th in all competitions during his top-flight club career. He later had another effort ruled out, but Coventry continued to threaten and pressed City back during the closing stages.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into a series of saves as Frank Lampard’s side searched for an equaliser. City dominated possession and completed 803 passes compared with Coventry’s 217, yet there was clear relief among the home side when the final whistle arrived.

Maresca was satisfied with the way his players responded to the challenge.

“I really liked today for different reasons. First half we could have scored one or two more but we worked together to win so I am happy,” he said.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace recorded their first league win of the campaign by coming from behind twice to beat Fulham 3-2.

Newcastle United also recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 at home against Bournemouth. The visitors scored first for the third match in succession but remain without a victory.

Tottenham Hotspur claimed their first point of the season in a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest, although they failed to register a shot on target. Forest had a goal disallowed by VAR for handball.

Brighton & Hove Albion drew 1-1 at home to Leeds United, while Brentford and Sunderland also shared the points after a 1-1 draw. Promoted Hull City held Aston Villa to a 0-0 draw.

Reuters