Haaland makes the difference as Enzo Fernández starts for Manchester City

Erling Haaland’s header kept Manchester City’s perfect start intact, but the 1-0 victory over Coventry offered little evidence that Enzo Maresca’s rebuilt side has reached its best level.

Haaland struck in the first half, scoring his third goal in as many matches this season. His goal came after Enzo Fernández released Antoine Semenyo down the right. Semenyo’s cross hung perfectly for Haaland to head home at the far post.

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I really liked today’s game for different reasons.

Fernández had been expected to begin on the bench after completing his £125 million move from Chelsea, which matched the Premier League transfer record. But Nico O’Reilly’s injury during the warmup put the Argentine into the starting lineup at short notice. Iliman Ndiaye also started, with City fielding a four-man attacking line alongside Haaland, Semenyo and Rayan Cherki.

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In the first half we could have scored one or two more, but we worked together to win, so I am happy.

City had chances to extend its lead, including a Cherki shot that struck the post. Coventry also threatened, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Jack Rudoni missing opportunities before Donnarumma made two late saves. The Italian goalkeeper had earlier nearly gifted Coventry a goal after mishandling a back pass, recovering just in time to clear the ball off his line.

Coventry has lost all three matches since returning to the top flight after 25 years and has yet to score. Maresca acknowledged the difficulty of breaking down a team defending deep, but said he was pleased that City worked together to secure the win. “It is important to win 1-0,” he told the BBC.

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It is difficult to play against teams that sit deep, but I felt we handled it very well. The fans’ anxiety is normal. Nine out of 10 games like this end with a bad feeling, but it is important to win 1-0.