Manchester City 1 (Erling Haaland 26′)
Coventry City 0
Here are the Manchester City player ratings after they beat Coventry City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium today. An Erling Haaland header in the 26th minute was enough for City to see off a stubborn Coventry City side. Enzo Maresca’s side weren’t at their best but they did what they had to do to make it three consecutive wins to start their 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
City player ratings.
Gianluigi Donnarumma-8/10: Donnarumma made three crucial saves which were pivotal in his team’s win. He had one heart-stopping moment early which nearly gifted Coventry an early goal which didn’t phase him at all.
Abdukodir Khusanov- 6/10: Khusanov wasn’t poor by any stretch, but he isn’t at his best which was clear again today. He looks uncomfortable on the right-hand side of City’s defence.
Ruben Dias-7/10: Dias was solid again at the back.
Marc Guehi-7.5/10: Another very good display from Geuhi. He just goes about his work with minimal fuss and never puts a foot wrong.
Josko Gvardiol-7/10: In possession, Gvardiol was very good. My concern is the role he is playing up the pitch leaves him exposed defensively which isn’t his fault. A solid display from him without being spectacular.
Elliot Anderson-8.5/10: Manchester City’s man-of-the-match by some distance. He was everywhere in midfield throughout the game before he appeared to tire late on.
Enzo Fernandez-7.5/10: A very good and promising performance from Enzo Fernandez. He replaced Nico O’Reilly in the starting lineup and was a threat in the final third and linked up City’s possession play well throughout the game before he was taken off in the 75th minute.
Rayan Cherki-7.5/10: Cherki was Manchester City’s creative hub in the first half. He created two clear-cut chances and hit the post with a shot of his own. A good display from Cherki once again.
Iliman Ndiaye-6.5/10: Ndiaye made a couple of skilful runs and provided a decent cross or two. He also worked back well defensively in a promising debut display.
Antoine Semenyo-7/10: Semenyo set up Haaland’s goal with a brilliant cross. However, he was caught offside too often and was on the periphery of the game at times.
Erling Haaland-7/10: Haaland scored the winner and should’ve had a hat trick. He isn’t yet at full match sharpness which should change soon enough.
Substitutes.
Phil Foden-6/10: Foden struggled to make an impact after replacing Cherki.
Ayyoub Bouaddi-6.5/10: The Moroccan midfielder had some nice touches in midfield and he wasn’t phased by the game state when he came on.
Ryan McAidoo-N/A: Not on enough to mark.
The defence still looks shaky and Khusanov looks ill at ease occupying Nunes position at right back. The problem is that we need him for his pace. I know this may sound contraversial but the weak link is Reuben Dias who is too slow. You have to include Guehi and Gvardiol along with Khusa.