Man City top Premier League as Hull City go second

Erling Haaland’s first-half header is enough to see off Frank Lampard’s newly promoted side

Erling Haaland’s first-half header saw Manchester City edge out Coventry 1-0 and make it three wins from three as Enzo Fernandez made an earlier than planned debut.

Haaland’s third goal of the season came in the 26th minute when he headed in Antoine Semenyo’s cross in a move started by Fernandez.

The £125million deadline-day signing from Chelsea had been named among the substitutes but was thrust into Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up when Nico O’Reilly was hurt during the warm-up, and the Argentinian impressed with an energetic display.

Fernandez was also instrumental in a move that ended with Rayan Cherki hitting a post, but was offside when he set up Haaland for a second-half goal which was disallowed.

Coventry defended deep for much of the afternoon and registered only 22 per cent possession, but turned up the heat late on with chances for substitutes Loum Tchaouna and Ellis Simms as Manchester City were left hanging on.

However, Frank Lampard’s newly-promoted side slumped to a third straight defeat, yet to score on their return to the Premier League.

Hull’s unbeaten start to life back in the Premier League continued as Sergej Jakirovic’s surprise package ended a breathless week by holding rebuilding Aston Villa to a 0-0 draw.

Six deadline-day signings were followed by the Tigers handing new contracts to six of their Championship play-off heroes and the manager who masterminded their top-flight return.

Hull secured another positive result on Saturday evening, when Mohamed Belloumi went agonisingly close to adding another victory to their Manchester United and Coventry triumphs when rattling the crossbar in the second half.

Emiliano Buendia wasted the best Villa opening as Unai Emery’s new-look side picked up their first point of the season, but their wait to score a Premier League goal continues.

There were some promising moments but plenty of work remains for the Spanish coach, whose side kick-off their Champions League campaign at Club Brugge on Tuesday.

Published: 05/09/2026 by Radio NewsHub