Updated / Saturday, 5 Sep 2026 17:05
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Erling Haaland and Frank Lampard applaud their respective fans after the game
Erling Haaland's first-half header saw Manchester City edge out Coventry 1-0 and make it three wins from three as Enzo Fernandez made an earlier than planned debut.
Haaland’s third goal of the season came in the 26th minute when he headed in Antoine Semenyo’s cross in a move started by Fernandez.
The £125m deadline-day signing from Chelsea had been named among the substitutes but was thrust into Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up when Nico O’Reilly was hurt during the warm-up, and the Argentinian impressed with an energetic display.
Fernandez was also instrumental in a move that ended with Rayan Cherki hitting a post, but was offside when he set up Haaland for a second-half goal which was disallowed.
Coventry defended deep for much of the afternoon and registered only 22 per cent possession, but turned up the heat late on with chances for substitutes Loum Tchaouna and Ellis Simms as City were left hanging on.
However, Frank Lampard’s newly-promoted side slumped to a third straight defeat, yet to score on their return to the Premier League.