Haaland strike keeps Manchester City perfect as Coventry suffer third straight defeat

Erling Haaland’s first-half goal gave Manchester City a 1-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry at the Etihad on Saturday, leaving Coventry without a point after their opening three Premier League matches.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka both started for Coventry in Frank Lampard’s line-up. Onyeka was substituted in the 63rd minute, while Awoniyi was withdrawn eight minutes after the hour mark.

The result leaves Coventry at the bottom of the Premier League table, having lost each of their first three fixtures since returning to the top flight.

Manchester City, meanwhile, retain top spot after making it three wins from three matches. The victory takes their total to nine points, with Enzo Maresca’s side continuing their perfect start to the campaign.

Haaland settled the contest with the only goal of the game in the first half. Despite Coventry’s efforts to remain in contention, City held on to secure another league win without conceding.

Awoniyi’s appearance came after he featured in Coventry’s Carabao Cup success, with Lampard having previously spoken about the qualities the Nigeria international had brought to the club.

Elsewhere, Fulham suffered their third consecutive defeat after losing 3-2 at home to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.

Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey both featured for Fulham. Bassey completed the full 90 minutes, while Iwobi was replaced with seven minutes remaining.

Fulham took the lead in the 11th minute through Joshua King, but Crystal Palace equalised when Tyrick Mitchell scored in the 35th minute.

Cesar Palacios restored Fulham’s advantage three minutes before half-time, putting the hosts 2-1 ahead at the interval.

Mitchell completed his brace in the 54th minute to bring Palace level. Former Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell then scored the decisive goal to complete the visitors’ comeback and seal a 3-2 win.

The defeat leaves Fulham 19th in the table, with their opening three league fixtures all ending in losses.

In another match, Nottingham Forest were held to a goalless draw by Tottenham Hotspur, with Ola Aina involved for Forest.

Brighton also drew 1-1 at home against Leeds United in the remaining fixture mentioned. Zadok Yohanna was not involved for Brighton.

The results leave both Coventry and Fulham still searching for their first Premier League points of the season, while Manchester City remain the only side among those mentioned to have won all three opening matches.