Haaland settles Etihad contest as Coventry’s winless Premier League start continues

Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season as Erling Haaland’s first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Etihad on Saturday.

Haaland’s decisive strike gave Manchester City a third win from three matches, taking their total to nine points and keeping Enzo Maresca’s side at the top of the league table.

Coventry, meanwhile, remain without a point after suffering defeat in each of their opening three fixtures. The result leaves Frank Lampard’s team at the bottom of the Premier League standings.

Nigeria internationals Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka both started for Coventry. Onyeka’s afternoon ended after 63 minutes, while Awoniyi was withdrawn in the 71st minute.

The defeat follows Coventry’s promotion to the Premier League and leaves them facing an immediate struggle to adapt to the top flight. Manchester City were able to protect their narrow advantage after Haaland had put them in front before half-time.

Elsewhere, Fulham also suffered a third consecutive league defeat, losing 3-2 at Craven Cottage to Crystal Palace.

Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were both involved for Fulham, who sit 19th after their difficult opening to the campaign. Bassey completed the full match, while Iwobi was substituted with seven minutes remaining.

Fulham made a strong start when Joshua King put them ahead after 11 minutes. Crystal Palace drew level through Tyrick Mitchell in the 35th minute, but the hosts regained the lead shortly before the interval.

Cesar Palacios scored with three minutes of the first half remaining to restore Fulham’s advantage and make it 2-1.

Mitchell completed his own double in the 54th minute to bring Crystal Palace level again. Former Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell then scored Palace’s third goal, completing the visitors’ comeback and securing all three points.

The outcome means Fulham share Coventry’s record of three defeats from their first three Premier League matches, although the London club are positioned 19th in the table.

In the other fixtures mentioned, Nottingham Forest were held to a goalless draw by Tottenham Hotspur. Nigeria international Ola Aina was in action for Forest during the stalemate.

Brighton, playing without Zadok Yohanna, drew 1-1 at home against visiting Leeds United.

The matches featured several Nigeria internationals across the Premier League, with Awoniyi, Onyeka, Iwobi, Bassey and Aina all involved for their respective clubs. However, only Aina’s Nottingham Forest avoided defeat, while Manchester City continued their winning run at the top of the table.

The report was written by James Agberebi.