Coventry City continued their march to the Premier League on Saturday after securing a fifth successive win in the Championship in a 2-0 victory at Ashton Gate against Bristol City.
The Sky Blues took the lead in the 37th minute through Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s header at the back post before Joel Latibeaudiere was given his marching orders in the 43rd minute for a Denial Of A Goalscoring Opportunity (DOGSO).
Despite going down to ten men, it was Frank Lampard’s side that scored the next goal in the sixth minute of first half added time through Haji Wright to take the pressure of the league-leaders.
However, the numbers were levelled when Bristol City‘s Adam Randell was shown a second yellow card early in the second half.
This dented any hope for the Robins, who couldn’t break through a much-changed Sky Blues side.
Here are four things we learnt about the Sky Blues heading into the final ten games of the season:
Since joining the league-leaders at the end of the January transfer window, the Nigerian international has helped turn things around, winning all five games he has featured in, including coming off the bench in this game at Ashton Gate.
Victor Torp had big boots to fill following the injury of Onyeka against Stoke City but he managed the game superbly, nullifying any threat from the Bristol City attack and gave the new signing some well-deserved rest.
Several outlets believed prior to this clash whether Coventry City were any good, or if they were being carried by Onyeka – it is safe to say Lampard’s side are back at their best, regardless who starts.
After re-hitting form at the perfect time of the season, there really is belief amongst the Sky Blues fans that they are nearly back in England’s top tier for the first time in 25 years.
Sitting nine points clear of third place Millwall heading into the final ten games makes good viewing for Lampard’s side however it is important to not get carried away in the Championship.
One of the most miserable clubs to support not even eight years ago is on the verge of promotion to the Premier League and no club deserves it more.
After seeing the Starting XI and seeing names such as Bobby Thomas and Jack Rudoni not in the squad and Onyeka on the bench, the initial reaction was shock after seeing three in-form players not in the matchday squad.
Luke Woolfenden, Josh Eccles and Torp were called upon by head coach Frank Lampard to replace the missing three and did the job required to bring home three more points.
Despite missing some of their best players, the Sky Blues were unfazed and continued to carry their momentum and now have some fantastic depth to be able to replace quality for quality.
After yet another MOTM display from the on-loan Brighton goalkeeper at the weekend and has produced some spectacular saves all season and has won Lampard’s side so many points.
With 12 clean sheets (joint first) and 6.4 goals prevented (best by over 2), it is no surprise that the English goalkeeper has been the best in the division this season and has earnt serious shouts to be England’s third choice ‘keeper for the World Cup squad.
If Coventry City see out their promotion to the Premier League, they are expected to be looking at purchasing the 24-year-old from Brighton, but they may want a hefty fee for the potential England number one in a few years.
