Manchester City continued its flawless opening to the 2026‑27 Premier League campaign on Saturday, securing a 1‑0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 26th minute when Norway striker Erling Haaland rose to meet a cross and headed the ball past the Coventry keeper, giving City a lead they would never relinquish.
New coach, same winning ways
Enzo Maresca, who took over from Pep Guardiola this summer, now boasts three wins from three matches. The early success eases the pressure of following one of the most successful managers in English football history. Maresca’s tactical adjustments, combined with the impact of the club’s £600 million summer spending spree, have already begun to show results.
Summer signings make their debuts
City’s record‑breaking transfer window brought in Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández and French forward Iliman Ndiaye. Both made their first appearances on Saturday, adding depth to a squad already brimming with talent. While Fernández helped control the midfield and Ndiaye provided an outlet on the wing, it was Haaland’s clinical finishing that secured the win.
League table snapshot
With the victory, Manchester City remain three points clear of defending champions Arsenal, who host Chelsea on Sunday. The top of the table is shaping up as a tight race among the league’s traditional powerhouses, with early points proving crucial.
Other Premier League action
Tottenham Hotspur earned their first point of the season after a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest. Newcastle United, under new coach Matthias Jaissle, salvaged a 2‑2 draw with Bournemouth thanks to a late strike from substitute Jacob Ramsey. Crystal Palace turned a 2‑1 deficit into a 3‑2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, while Brighton and Leeds shared a 1‑1 draw. Brentford and Sunderland also finished their matches level at 1‑1.
Late drama elsewhere
Newcastle rallied from 2‑0 down at St. James’ Park, with Ramsey’s 88th‑minute goal sparking celebrations among the fans. Bournemouth’s early lead came from Marcus Tavernier’s ninth‑minute strike and a 35th‑minute own‑goal by Malick Thiaw. Harvey Barnes answered quickly for Newcastle, but the Cherries held on until Ramsey’s late equaliser.
Tottenham’s goal drought continues
Despite a sizable investment in new attacking talent, Tottenham remain without a league goal. Summer arrivals Omar Marmoush and Savio were unable to find the net, and loanee Mykhailo Mudryk also failed to make an impact in his debut.
Fulham struggles under new coach
Alvaro Arbeloa, formerly of Real Madrid, has yet to secure a win in his first three league games with Fulham. After taking a 2‑1 lead through Josh King and Cesar Palacios, the team fell to a 3‑2 defeat as Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell scored twice and Ben Chilwell added the winner.
Overall, the opening weekend showcased the excitement and unpredictability of the Premier League, with Manchester City setting the benchmark for the season ahead.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
