Manchester City moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League table, though not without a scare, as an early Erling Haaland header proved enough to see off a determined Coventry side 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

The breakthrough came after Enzo Fernandez, a late addition to the starting lineup following Nico O’Reilly’s warm-up injury, played a role in freeing Antoine Semenyo down the flank.

Semenyo’s resulting cross was met by Haaland, who nodded home his third goal of the campaign to hand City an early lead they would ultimately hold onto.

City largely dominated proceedings from there, with Rayan Cherki particularly unfortunate not to add to the scoreline after striking the woodwork, while Haaland himself squandered further openings before the interval that could have made the afternoon far more comfortable.

Despite their control of possession and territory, Pep Guardiola’s side were unable to find a second goal, and Coventry nearly capitalized on City’s failure to kill off the contest.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was called upon to make a crucial close-range save, somewhat unconventionally with his face, to deny Ellis Sims an equalizer. The visitors continued to push for a leveller in the closing stages but could not find a way through.

Elliot Anderson stood out as one of the more impressive performers on the day, drawing comparisons to Rodri for his composed, all-action display in midfield, as City extended their lead at the summit of the table, at least for the time being.