Enzo Maresca has made an immediate impact as Manchester City manager, guiding the club to three consecutive Premier League victories at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign.
City secured their third straight league win on Saturday with a narrow 1-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City, completing a perfect opening run for Maresca and giving the Italian manager nine points from his first three Premier League matches in charge.
The latest result was decided by Erling Haaland, whose first-half header provided the only goal of the encounter and was enough to preserve City’s 100 per cent record.
The victory followed an opening-day comeback against Bournemouth, when City recovered to win 2-1, before producing a more convincing performance against Crystal Palace and securing a 4-1 victory.
With three wins from three matches, Maresca has begun his Manchester City reign without dropping a league point.
Strong opening after Guardiola era
Maresca was appointed in June as the successor to Pep Guardiola, taking charge of a club that had spent years competing at the highest level under the Spanish manager.
The Italian is no stranger to the Etihad setup, having previously worked as one of Guardiola’s assistants at Manchester City. His return as head coach therefore represents a continuation of his connection with the club, but the responsibility is now considerably greater.
Replacing Guardiola comes with significant expectations following the trophy-laden period under the former manager. Maresca’s first three league fixtures have nevertheless provided an encouraging beginning as he attempts to establish his own tenure.
The nine points collected so far have given City the kind of start that will strengthen confidence around the new manager and his squad.
Three wins, three different challenges
City’s opening results have also demonstrated their ability to secure points in different circumstances.
Against Bournemouth, the team had to recover from going behind before completing a 2-1 comeback victory. The result ensured Maresca began his competitive league tenure with three points.
The performance against Crystal Palace was more emphatic. City scored four times in a 4-1 victory to record their second consecutive win and establish early momentum.
Saturday’s meeting with Coventry presented a different challenge. City were unable to produce the same attacking margin as they had against Palace, but Haaland’s first-half header proved decisive as the champions secured another three points.
The sequence has left Maresca with a perfect record after his first three Premier League fixtures: three wins, nine points and no dropped points.
Haaland provides decisive moment
Haaland’s contribution against Coventry was ultimately enough to settle the contest.
The Norway striker headed City into the lead during the first half, giving his team a platform that they managed to protect until the final whistle.
Although the margin was only one goal, the result was particularly important because it allowed City to maintain their winning run after the more open victories against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.
For Maresca, the ability to win matches even when the scoreline is tight could prove just as important as producing high-scoring victories as the season develops.
Pressure remains high
Despite the encouraging start, Maresca’s appointment means every result will continue to attract considerable attention.
He has inherited a Manchester City side shaped by Guardiola’s long tenure, and the expectations surrounding the club remain high. The new manager must now demonstrate that the strong opening is more than an early burst of form and that City can maintain their competitiveness throughout a full Premier League campaign.
His previous experience as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff gives him familiarity with the club, but leading the team himself presents a different challenge.
The first three matches have at least provided a positive foundation. City have already shown resilience against Bournemouth, attacking strength against Crystal Palace and the ability to grind out a narrow result against Coventry.
Maresca’s immediate objective will now be to extend that consistency as the season progresses.
Perfect record gives Maresca early momentum
The opening three fixtures have placed Manchester City in a strong early position and given Maresca the best possible start to his first full season as manager.
A 2-1 comeback against Bournemouth, a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace and a 1-0 win against Coventry have produced the maximum nine points available.
The results also mean Maresca has yet to experience a Premier League defeat since taking over from Guardiola.
As the campaign moves forward, the pressure will inevitably increase, particularly given the standards established during Guardiola’s trophy-laden tenure. For now, however, Maresca can point to a flawless league record and a team that has found different ways to secure victories.
The Italian’s Manchester City reign could hardly have begun more positively, with three matches producing three wins and a perfect nine-point return.
Maresca Leads Manchester City to Perfect Premier League Start With Three Straight Wins
