Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over promoted Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on September 5, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The win took them to nine points from three matches, placing them top of the table [1, 2, 3].
Erling Haaland scored the only goal in the 26th minute, heading in from a cross by Antoine Semenyo. New signing Enzo Fernandez played a key role in the move, assisting Semenyo for the cross that led to Haaland’s goal [1, 2, 3]. City spent a British-record-equalling £125 million to sign Fernandez from Chelsea on transfer deadline day [1, 2, 3].
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca handed Premier League debuts to Fernandez and Iliman Ndiaye in the match. Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola prior to the game, said: "I really liked today for different reasons. First half we could have scored one or two more, but we worked together to win, so I am happy. It is difficult against teams in a low block, I felt we dealt very well with that. Anxiety from the fans is normal. Nine out of 10 of these games you end with bad feeling, but it is important to win 1-0" [3].
Coventry City remain without a point after three games. They finished strongly and forced several saves from City's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma but could not find a way through [1, 2, 3].
On the same day, four other Premier League matches ended in draws. Crystal Palace beat Fulham 3-2, Newcastle United drew 2-2 with Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest played out a goalless draw, and Brighton & Hove Albion held Leeds United 1-1 [1, 2]. Tottenham earned their first point of the season but failed to register a shot on target. Nottingham Forest had a goal disallowed by VAR for handball [1, 2, 3].
Manchester City’s victory over Coventry concludes the Premier League fixtures for the weekend of September 5, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
