Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Former Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez made his debut for Manchester City in their victory over Frank Lampard’s Coventry City.
Fernandez was originally named on the bench by Enzo Maresca, however was thrown straight into the starting side after Nico O’Reilly pulled out during the warm-up.
The circumstances were ideal for the Argentine to make his debut, with Coventry still yet to record their first points of the season.
Manchester City v Coventry City - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
How Enzo Fernandez got on in Man City debut
City won 1-0 at the Etihad, and dominated possession throughout the game, which suited his game nicely and allowed him to dictate play.
He completed 66 of his 73 passes, whilst also creating a chance for a teammate in the first half before being replaced after 76 minutes.
Fernandez was very strong in the duel during his debut for his new club, which will be particularly impressive for Maresca as he looks to find who will be up for the fight now Pep Guardiola has departed.
He won four of his five ground duels, whilst also making a tackle and a recovery.
Ultimately though, Maresca decided to replace Fernandez with Ayyoub Bouaddi as they looked to hold on, with Lampard’s Coventry asking serious questions of City late on.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
It remains to be seen whether Maresca will look to continue with Fernandez for the Champions League clash on Tuesday against Porto, or if he turns to someone like Phil Foden instead.
The 2022 World Cup winner probably needs to do some work to build up his fitness, after refusing to train with Chelsea in the days before he left the club.
He will have enjoyed his debut though, with City currently setting the pace in the Premier League ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Arsenal tomorrow.