Haaland decides hard-fought Manchester City win

Erling Braut Haaland’s early-season scoring run continued, but Manchester City had to work hard to overcome newly promoted Coventry.

Haaland scored the only goal after 25 minutes. Antoine Semenyo reached the byline and lifted the ball into the area, where Haaland won his duel with Joel Amenda and headed past Coventry’s goalkeeper.

The goal was Haaland’s third in Manchester City’s first three matches of the season. It proved decisive because Coventry refused to surrender and kept the pressure on until the final whistle.

City controlled most of the match, but Coventry managed 12 attempts and created three major chances. The visitors stayed within reach of a point, while Haaland’s goal ultimately secured the three points for the home side.

Manchester City had spent £458 million, about 5.7 billion Norwegian kroner, on new players before the new season. Several signings appeared at home, including Iliman Ndiaye, who replaced Phil Foden. When Nico O’Reilly withdrew with an injury during the warm-up, Enzo Fernández came into the team. Eighteen-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi made his home debut after replacing Fernández in the 75th minute.