Fernandez and Ndiaye make promising Manchester City debuts in Coventry win

Manchester City maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a 1-0 Premier League victory over Coventry City, handing new signings Enzo Fernandez and Iliman Ndiaye their first appearances for the club.

Fernandez was initially named among the substitutes but entered the starting side after Nico O’Reilly sustained a knock during the warm-up. Playing in a number-eight role, the Argentina international had two shots blocked and helped create Erling Haaland’s winning goal with a pass to Antoine Semenyo, whose cross was converted by the striker.

Ndiaye, who joined City for a reported £60m, attempted a match-high eight dribbles and became the club’s first Senegalese player. Manager Enzo Maresca praised the debutants but said Ndiaye needed to improve his positioning after limited time training with his new team-mates.

Fernandez arrived from Chelsea for a reported £125m as City rebuilt their midfield following the departures of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez. Maresca’s previous work with Fernandez at Chelsea provided familiarity as the midfielder adjusted to his new side.

Elliot Anderson was named man of the match after completing 143 of 155 passes. Coventry threatened to produce an upset, but City held on for victory, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making a series of saves.