Manchester City survived a late Coventry City onslaught to secure a 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium, maintaining their perfect start to the new Premier League season.
Erling Haaland's thumping header after 26 minutes proved decisive, with new record signing Enzo Fernandez making his debut for the hosts.
Fernandez debut and early chances
Fernandez, City's £125million record signing, was not initially in the starting XI but came on after Nico O'Reilly suffered an injury in the warm-up. He formed a midfield partnership with Elliot Anderson, a pairing costing a combined £241m.
Coventry had a golden chance to take an early lead when Taiwo Awoniyi fired wide when clean through on goal. Minutes before Haaland's opener, Jack Rudoni could have scored from a close-range header.
Haaland's header and Coventry's response
Haaland opened the scoring with a thumping header from an Antoine Semenyo cross. City dominated possession but could not add to their lead as Coventry grew in belief.
Ellis Simms almost snatched an equaliser but was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Coventry were a constant threat from set pieces and had several chances to score.
Donnarumma's mixed afternoon and City's new style
Donnarumma made two timely saves to deny Rudoni and Simms from point blank range but also almost made a dreadful error in the first half. His struggles with the ball at his feet remain a concern.
The movement between Fernandez, Rayan Cherki, Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye was impressive, with the opening goal coming from a brilliant pass from Fernandez to Semenyo. However, there are concerns over how open the new-look midfield could be against better sides.
Coventry refused to give up and took the game to their hosts as the match progressed, but they have now lost three games in a row to start the season. Their next challenge is a home game against Brighton.
