Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Man City maintained their perfect Premier League start with a tense 1-0 victory over Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium, but mega-money signing Enzo Fernández stole the show.
Erling Haaland scored the only goal, with Enzo Maresca’s side surviving several scares as the visitors chased a late equaliser.
REUTERS/Kim Soo-Hyeon
Fernández was handed his unexpected City debut after Nico O’Reilly suffered a back problem during the warm-up.
The £125 million signing had been named among the substitutes, only to be promoted into midfield alongside Elliot Anderson shortly before kick off.
Iliman Ndiaye also made his first City appearance on the left, with Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo supporting Haaland.
Coventry almost benefited from two early City mistakes. Gianluigi Donnarumma recovered after struggling to control a pass from Abdukodir Khusanov, before a loose Semenyo ball sent Taiwo Awoniyi through, but the striker dragged his effort wide.
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|Man City 1-0 Coventry City - match stats|
|Match stat|Man City|Coventry City|
|---|
|Possession|78%|22%|
|Total shots|15|12|
|Shots on target|4|3|
|Shots off target|5|6|
|Blocked shots|6|3|
|Expected goals|1.81|1.21|
|Corners|4|5|
|Offsides|5|2|
|Completed passes|736|139|
|Pass accuracy|91%|64%|
|Fouls|7|17|
|Yellow cards|1|2|
|Goalkeeper saves|3|2|
Cherki then released Haaland from a quickly taken free kick, with Carl Rushworth making a low save.
Fernandez later slipped a clever pass into Cherki, whose driven attempt struck the post.
The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute, as Fernandez cut open Coventry with a pass to Semenyo, who delivered from the right for Haaland to head home.
Haaland was denied a second by Rushworth before the interval after another flowing move involving Fernandez, Anderson and Cherki.
The hosts thought they had doubled their lead after halftime when Fernandez produced a neat flick for Haaland, but an offside flag ended the celebrations.
Loum Tchaouna tested Donnarumma, while Matt Grimes fired narrowly wide as Coventry pushed forward.
matt-grimes-coventry-championship
Phil Foden was denied by a Bobby Thomas clearance at the other end before Donnarumma blocked Ellis Simms at close range.
City held on to make it three wins from three under Maresca, although Fernandez and Cherki provided the most exciting signs for the weeks ahead.
Enzo Fernández forms 'frightening' Man City partnership with Rayan Cherki
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez during the warm up before the match
BBC Final Score reporter John Bennett was hugely impressed by the pair.
“Only one goal so far but this ‘new’ Manchester City with Iliman Ndiaye and Enzo Fernández in the starting XI have been a joy to watch in full flow," said Bennett.
“Ndiaye had at least one moment to show off his magical skills but it’s Fernandez who has stood out; not only the through ball which led to the opener but also his link-up play with the superb Rayan Cherki.
“It’s like they’ve been playing together for years.
“Cherki and Fernandez will be a frightening partnership for Premier League opponents this season.”
Fernandez’s first appearance offered a clear explanation for City’s huge investment.
The Argentina international repeatedly moved the ball through Coventry’s midfield and quickly found Cherki between the lines.
Cherki’s technique and willingness to receive possession in tight areas gave Fernandez an obvious forward target.
With Ndiaye also bringing unpredictability from the left, Maresca appears to have several different ways of supplying Haaland.
The hosts were not completely convincing and Coventry made them work until the final whistle. However, the developing Fernandez and Cherki partnership may prove to be the biggest lasting story from another City victory.