Erling Haaland hit his 300th career goal as Manchester City made heavy work of beating newly-promoted Coventry in the Premier League.
Haaland powered in a wonderful header to prove the difference maker as Coventry gave a spirited display as they wait for their first point back in the top flight.
City needed Gianluigi Donnarumma to make a fantastic late save to keep out Ellis Simms as Frank Lampard’s team pushed all the way.
Iliman Ndiaye started for City and was lively enough down the left while Enzo Fernandez was named on the bench after his £125m move from Chelsea on deadline day but was drafted into the starting Xi after Nico O’Reilly had a problem in the warm up.
These clubs last met in the Premier League back in 2001, when both sides were ultimately relegated, and it was surprisingly the visitors who could have been 2-0 up in a fine start.
First Donnarumma almost let a backpass into the net but just about cleared off the line before Taiwo Awoniyi charged clean through after cutting out a pass and slid his shot wide.
Haaland then powered in a shot which was well pushed out and Rayan Cherki drilled against the post as City found some rhythm.
Jack Rudoni then should have scored with a header at the far post but Donnarumma made a sprawling save before Haaland opened the scoring with a bullet header from a fine Antoine Semenyo cross.
Haaland had the ball in the net after Enzo had pulled the ball across goal but the offside flag was raised before Donnarumma had to make another strong save.
The Italy number one saved his best for last with a brilliant save to stop Simms from a leveller as City just about held on.
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