Enzo Fernandez on his Man City debut against Coventry
Enzo Fernandez on his Man City debut against Coventry
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Manchester City continued their perfect start to the new Premier League season, but only after surviving a late onslaught from Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium.
On the day their new record signing Enzo Fernandez made his debut, a goal from Erling Haaland earned them a 1-0 win and condemned Frank Lampard's side to another defeat.
City’s £125million record signing wasn’t initially in the starting XI, but was promoted from the bench after Nico O’Reilly suffered an injury in the warm up. He formed a midfield pivot costing a combined £241m alongside Elliot Anderson, but it was newly promoted Coventry who should have taken an early lead.
Taiwo Awoniyi had a golden chance to open the scoring, but fired wide when clean through on goal. And they were made to rue that when Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a thumping header from an Antoine Semenyo cross after 26 minutes.
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That could have opened the floodgates, but while the hosts continued to dominate possession, they couldn't put the game to bed with Coventry growing in belief. And Ellis Simms almost snatched an equaliser when he was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
An eye on Enzo
If this is Fernandez after three days training with his new team-mates, then the signs are good. The Argentine being world class isn't new information, he has been exactly that for Chelsea, but in this City side he could go up another level still.
Fernandez was happy to allow Anderson to play deeper and start a lot of possessions, while he positioned himself further forward between Coventry's midfield and defenders.
And it was in that pocket that he found the space to get on the ball and either drive towards the goal himself, or feed the ridiculous attacking talents around him. He also looked keen to run beyond the more traditional forwards and on another day may have found himself on the end of a few through balls.
All in all, a positive start for City and their new record signing. A solid 7/10 performance.
What could have been for Cov…
For the visiting Sky Blues to beat the home ones, Coventry knew they would have to be clinical.
It’s why for all of City’s early dominance, Frank Lampard will be left ruing some huge chances to take the lead. They were inches away from being gifted an opener through an open goal, before Awoniyi spurned a glorious chance.
And minutes before Haaland’s opener, Jack Rudoni could have scored from a close-range header. On another day the visitors could have been three up, on this one, they were one down.
The chances didn't stop there either. Simms could have snatched an equaliser, while Coventry were a constant threat from set pieces.
Taiwo Awoniyi spurned a glorious chance to put Coventry in front
Taiwo Awoniyi spurned a glorious chance to put Coventry in front
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Maresca’s Man City
It won’t always be perfect and they do look capable of being caught on the break, but this Manchester City team look like they will be great entertainers. The movement between Fernandez, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye was mesmerising at times.
The opening goal came through a brilliant pass from Fernandez to Semenyo who whipped in the kind of cross strikers dream about. The main concern will have been not putting Coventry away despite their dominance of possession and impressive movement.
Maresca will also note how many chances they surrendered, particularly when Coventry broke at pace. Room for improvement, but his plan is beginning to take shape.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the first half with a thumping header
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the first half with a thumping header
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Donnarumma's mixed afternoon
Replacing a Premier League great is never an easy task, but when City signed James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma, their Ederson succession plan appeared perfect.
Pep Guardiola quickly made the Italian his new No.1, a position his lofty reputation warranted. That ultimately led to Trafford seeking pastures new this summer, with Donnarumma effectively unopposed.
Gianluigi Donnarumma saved well from Jack Rudoni, but almost make a dreadful error in the first half
Gianluigi Donnarumma saved well from Jack Rudoni, but almost make a dreadful error in the first half
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Whether that was the correct decision in the long-term remains to be seen. Donnarumma did make two timely saves to deny Jack Rudoni and Simms from point blank range and is still more than capable of using his huge frame to his advantage.
But goalkeepers - particularly at City - are judged beyond that in 2026 and Donnarumma's struggles with the ball at his feet will still be a concern. He is no longer the 'sure thing' long-term answer he once was.
Coventry show what they're about
In the record books this will go down as another defeat, without scoring a goal.
But the reality of the performance is very different. Coventry refused to throw in the towel at the Etihad, despite chasing shadows for long periods.
Frank Lampard's side have now lost three games in a row to start the season
Frank Lampard's side have now lost three games in a row to start the season
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In fact, they took the game to their hosts as the minutes ticked by and on another day would have scored multiple goals.
Nevertheless, they will be desperate to get off the mark quickly, with Brighton at home their next challenge.
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