Manchester City struggled to break down a well-organised Coventry side for long periods, with Haaland's strike proving the difference in a hard-fought 1-0 win. The result continued Coventry City's tough opening to life back in the Premier League, having already faced two of the division's strongest sides in their first three fixtures.
"I really liked today for different reasons. First half we could have scored one or two more, but we worked together to win so I am happy," Maresca told BBC Match of the Day.
"It is difficult against teams in a low block, I felt we dealt very well with that.
"Anxiety from the fans is normal, nine out of 10 of these games you end with bad feeling, but it is important to win 1-0.
"Not all the performances are going to be nice, you also need ugly moments."
Maresca also addressed the fitness situation surrounding Nico O'Reilly, who dropped out of the starting line-up following an issue in the warm-up, with Enzo Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi drafted in as replacements.
"In warm up O'Reilly felt something in his back, not serious. Enzo came in, his first appearance in front of the home fans was ideal," he said. "And Bouaddi came in last moments, difficult situation, he will improve no doubt. These players all need time."
Lampard, whose Coventry side remain without a win from three matches, felt his team deserved more from the contest.
"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," he said.
The Coventry boss pointed to the strength of opposition his side have already faced.
"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."
Lampard praised the impact of a debutant in his backline.
"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."
He struck an optimistic note about the campaign ahead despite the result.
"We should take a lot from these three games. Our season will be defined more by the games against likes of Hull, which was disappointing but we have plenty more games to come."