Enzo Maresca conceded there will be times Manchester City have to win in "ugly moments", after they edged out Coventry City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Man City stayed perfect in the Premier League through three games, as Erling Haaland's first-half header proved the difference against a stubborn Coventry side.

Haaland missed two one-on-ones and Rayan Cherki also hit the post in a decent showing from the hosts in the opening period.

But Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make a couple of big saves after the break to deny Loum Tchoauna and Ellis Simms, as the Etihad faithful began getting a little tense.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, Maresca said: "I really liked today for different reasons.

"In the first half we could have scored one or two more, but we worked together to win, so I am happy.

"It is difficult against teams in a low block, and I felt we dealt very well with that. Anxiety from the fans is normal, in nine out of 10 of these games you end with a bad feeling, but it is important to win 1-0.

"Not all the performances are going to be nice, you also need ugly moments."

Haaland has now scored against 24 of the 25 Premier League teams he has faced (Sunderland being the one exception), and has netted more headed goals (20) than any other Man City player in the competition's history.

For Maresca, the result will feel even more important as deadline-day signing Enzo Fernandez was thrust into the starting XI after Nico O'Reilly was injured in the warm-up.

The Italian added: "In the warm-up O'Reilly felt something in his back, [it's] not serious. Enzo came in, his first appearance in front of the home fans was ideal.

"And [Ayyoub] Bouaddi came on in the last moments, in a difficult situation, he will improve no doubt. These players all need time."

Coventry have lost each of their first three games in a league season for just the fifth time, while this is the first time they have ever done so without scoring, having been beaten by Arsenal and Hull City in their opening two matches.

Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard felt his side were unfortunate to be going home empty-handed.

The former England international said: "I don't think we deserved to lose. As the game went on, we grew. 

"Of course, they created chances, but the boys did great. I'm disappointed we didn't get what we deserved, which was a point.

"We have played the two toughest teams on paper. All you can do is control the performance, the boys grew and the pressure we had in periods of the second half was great progression from Arsenal two weeks ago.

"There was a real organisation to the team. Ethan [Pinnock] came in and was great. There were not too many moments when we were on edge. I am really pleased with our lads and the fans showed what they thought of the performance.

"We should take a lot from these three games. Our season will be defined more by games against the likes of Hull, which was disappointing, but we have plenty more games to come."