Brian Dick was at the Etihad to see the Sky Blues push Man City all the way
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 5: Frank Lampard, Manager / Head Coach of Coventry City applauds the fans following the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester City and Coventry City at Etihad Stadium on September 5, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Frank Lampard(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City and Coventry City are worlds apart – on the balance sheet at least.
But for 90 minutes they were locked in a battle that even the most ardent home fan would admit could have finished differently.
In the end an entertaining game, in which Frank Lampard set his side up to survive, was decided by a moment of quality at one end.
The accuracy of Antoine Semenyo’s cross was better than anything the Sky Blues produced. The power of Erling Haaland’s header was more clinical than anything the Sky Blues produced.
But City’s win wasn’t just about quality in the attacking penalty area, it was equally down to the excellence of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Make no mistake the Sky Blues created enough chances to feel they deserved a draw.
Taiwo Awoniyi did brilliantly to anticipate Semenyo’s errant pass – and even better to race clear of the covering defenders. All that was missing was the finish.
Soon after that Donnarumma produced a point-blank save to deny Jack Rudoni who had slipped his marker and headed a loose long throw-in at the near post.
As the Sky Blues chased the game Caleb Yirenkyi picked out Ellis Simms at the back post but the forward could only fire his shot into the ‘keeper’s face.
Premier League matches are won in the penalty area and Enzo Maresca’s team found the moment they needed. Frank Lampard’s couldn’t but they must take heart from a brave and organised display.