Man City v Coventry
Play By Play
It's maximum points again for Manchester City, who make it nine from a possible nine to start the new Premier League season by beating Coventry City 1-0. Once again, Haaland is the hero, netting his 300th career goal with a powerful header from Semenyo's precise cross. Despite dominating for much of the match, the hosts ultimately had to hang on to their slim lead in the closing stages, with Donnarumma pulling off two crucial saves, though Haaland could also have had a hat-trick but for some sharp stops by Rushworth. Man City's new signings Ndiaye and Enzo Fernandez both started - the latter as an emergency replacement for O'Reilly, who was injured just before kick-off - and they linked up well with key creator Cherki, who struck the post as his team created 1.81 xG; thanks to their late revival, Coventry posted 1.21 by full-time. However, that was not enough for the Sky Blues to avoid losing their first three league games without scoring - something that has never happened before. Surely encouraged by their second-half performance - in which Simms almost snatched a late leveller - they'll look to get off the mark again next weekend versus Brighton. Meanwhile, Man City must now prepare for their Champions League opener on Tuesday, as they travel to Porto before next week's Manchester derby. That's all from the Etihad, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 COVENTRY CITY
For delaying the restart by kicking the ball away, Khusanov receives a yellow card deep into stoppage time.
After Thomas tries his luck with a long-range volley, which is deflected behind for a corner, Tchaouna delivers another set-piece. However, Thomas is then caught offside and Man City can kill more precious time.
In the second minute of at least five added for stoppages, Pinnock clips the fresh-legged McAidoo and has to accept a late yellow card.
Following another Coventry corner, first Guehi and then Haaland make clearing headers. Given their dominance in the first hour, few would've forseen how much Man City have had to defend.
The tide has turned during the past 20 minutes, so can Coventry City now score their first Premier League goal since May 2001? Surely that would be enough to snatch a point.
Having picked up a late knock, Ndiaye's promising Man City debut comes to an early end. McAidoo will take his place.
Lampard makes his last throw of the dice: Dasilva is replaced by Hamer for the final few minutes. Coventry could be switching to a back four.
Man City are under real pressure now. Though they manage to deal with a Tchaouna corner, Coventry then recycle the ball and Thomas heads well wide of the far post with a 10-yard header.
BIG SAVE! Donnarumma does it again! This time denying Coventry with his face, he leaps up to block a goalbound shot by Simms from very close range! What a stop!
OFF THE LINE! Thomas keeps Coventry alive! Following a delightful cross from the left by Ndiaye, Haaland's cutback falls to Foden, who tries to squeeze the ball home from six yards out. However, he's denied by a last-ditch clearance!
Having unexpectedly made his full debut when O'Reilly pulled out before kick-off, Enzo Fernandez is taken off. Now making his first Man City appearance, Bouaddi strides on.
Brought down by Khusanov around 25 yards from goal, Thomas-Asante wins Coventry another wide free-kick. Tchaouna also delivers this one, but Haaland is back on defensive duty again and clears it away with a firm header.
Failing to fully connect with what was only a half-chance, Haaland slides in to meet a low cross from the right wing. Rushworth can watch on calmly as the ball runs away over the byline.
Thomas-Asante is also sent on, taking the place of Mason-Clark.
Coventry introduce more fresh legs: first, willing runner Awoniyi makes way for Simms.
Coventry's revival continues, as the ball breaks to Grimes around 20 yards out. His first-time shot zips well wide of the right-hand post, but the away side are inching their way back into this match.
SUPER STOP! After linking up well with Awoniyi and his fellow sub Yirenkyi, Tchaouna bursts into the box and tests Donnarumma with a low angled shot. Getting his huge frame down quickly to the right, the Italian goalkeeper palms it away!
When Awoniyi tries to surge clear down the left wing, Dias chases back and makes a vital tackle, also guiding the ball back towards Donnarumma.
Departing after another dazzling display, Man City playmaker Cherki is replaced by Foden.
After Coventry win a free-kick midway through Man City's half, Tchaouna delivers it and the hosts clear their lines at the second attempt. Set-pieces could be a route back into this match.
Yirenkyi is also introduced, replacing Onyeka in the Sky Blues' midfield.
Lampard decides to send on both Coventry players who were dropped to the bench today. First, Tchaouna replaces Rudoni.
Before the pair were relegated together 25 years ago, Man City were winless in eight top-flight games against Coventry (D4 L4) since doing the double over them in 1992-93. Surely that drought will end today?
