Manchester City continued their perfect start to the new Premier League season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the 26th minute, heading home a superb cross from Antoine Semenyo to give City a narrow lead.
Despite dominating possession for long periods, Manchester City struggled to put the game beyond their visitors, with Coventry proving a constant threat on the counter.
Coventry had an early opportunity to take the lead when Taiwo Awoniyi raced through on goal after intercepting a loose ball, but the Nigerian striker fired his effort wide with Gianluigi Donnarumma advancing from his goal.
City gradually found their rhythm and came close to breaking the deadlock when Rayan Cherki cut inside and struck the post with a left-footed effort.
Donnarumma was then called into action at the other end, producing an excellent save to deny Jack Rudoni’s header from close range.
The hosts eventually took control when Semenyo reached the byline before delivering a cross towards the far post, where Haaland rose highest to power his header into the net.
City continued to control possession after the interval but Coventry remained disciplined and refused to allow the champions to create many clear-cut opportunities.
Donnarumma again proved crucial in the second half, making a strong save to keep out a long-range effort from Loum Tchaouna.
City thought they had a chance to double their advantage when Phil Foden found himself with an opportunity from close range, but his weak effort was cleared off the line.
The goal would likely have been ruled out anyway after a possible handball by Haaland in the build-up.
Coventry came close to an equaliser late on when Ellis Simms volleyed from inside the area, but Donnarumma reacted quickly to block the attempt.
The visitors pushed hard during stoppage time, but Manchester City held firm to secure another clean sheet and all three points.
The result gives City three wins from three matches at the beginning of the Premier League campaign, although their performance suggested there is still room for improvement.
For Coventry, the defeat will be frustrating after several promising opportunities, particularly those involving Awoniyi, but their display showed they were capable of troubling the hosts.
Haaland’s first-half header ultimately proved enough to give Manchester City a narrow victory and preserve their 100 per cent start to the season.
