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The Qatar News Agency reported that Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table by securing a third successive win in the competition. Erling Haaland headed home the decisive goal in the 26th minute at the Etihad Stadium as the hosts defeated newly promoted Coventry City 1-0. The result left City with nine points from three matches played and a goal difference of plus five while newly promoted Coventry remained at the bottom without a point after three defeats. Associated Press figures showed the victory capped a strong start under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Erling Haaland has scored three times in the opening three league fixtures this term, a tally that has proved decisive in each win, according to data compiled by StatMuse. The Norway international connected with a cross from Antoine Semenyo, who was set up by debutant Enzo Fernandez, to break the deadlock in a match where City dominated possession but struggled to convert chances. Coventry pushed for an equaliser late on and forced several saves from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma yet could not find a way through. Reuters reported that the home side had to show resilience to hold on for the three points.
Maresca, who took charge after Pep Guardiola’s departure, oversaw more than $600 million in transfer spending during the close season, the Associated Press noted. Debutants Fernandez and Iliman Ndiaye started the match alongside record signing Elliott Anderson as the squad continues its transition. The Italian coach highlighted the importance of securing the result despite an imperfect display. “Anxiety from the fans is normal. Nine out of 10 of these games you end with a bad feeling but it’s important to win 1-0. Not all the performances are going to be nice, you also need ugly moments,” Maresca told reporters after the final whistle.
The early standings place Hull City second on seven points after a goalless draw with Aston Villa while Arsenal and Chelsea, both on six points from two games, were due to meet on Sunday, Premier League statistics published by NBC Sports showed. Crystal Palace collected its first league win of the campaign by coming from behind twice to beat Fulham 3-2 with Ben Chilwell scoring the winner. Newcastle United twice trailed but earned a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth thanks to a late Jacob Ramsey equaliser while Brentford and Sunderland, Brighton and Leeds, and Nottingham Forest and Tottenham all shared the points.
City has scored seven goals and conceded two across its three league victories this season, a run that includes a 4-1 success at Crystal Palace and a 2-1 home win over Bournemouth, ESPN data indicated. The perfect start has positioned the club three points clear at the summit with several teams still holding games in hand. Coventry, under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, has found the step up to the Premier League difficult with no points or goals registered so far. The Qatar News Agency said the outcome underlined City’s credentials as title contenders once more.
Further matches in the round are expected to provide additional clarity on the standings as the 2026-27 Premier League season progresses. City will aim to maintain its momentum when it returns to action after the latest international break. The club has a strong historical record of sustained success in the competition and will look to build on the early form under its new leadership.
