Frank Lampard agreed that Coventry City’s 2-1 victory over Preston North End was one of the most pleasing performances since he’s been at the club.
First half goals from Jack Rudoni and Bobby Thomas crowned a dominant first half at the CBS Arena where the Sky Blues should really have put the result to bed with more goals from several chances before the visitors pulled one back eight minutes from time to make for a nervous end to the game.
But City hung on to take the three points to move them back to within a point of the play-off places, and asked afterwards if the display was one of the best since his arrival at the club, Lampard said: “Yeah, performance-wise I would say so, although I don’t think the scoreline quite reflects that. But we all know in the stadium that it probably should have been three or four by the time they scored to give us a difficult 10 minutes.
“We changed the shape today and you could feel that, feel the extra attacking play on the pitch and the energy in the team, and the quality. We played the first half in their half pretty much, doing all the things we worked on and talked about in the week, so it was good. We were playing a difficult team, to be fair, and I was concerned coming into this game because Preston are a difficult team to play against.
“They put balls in the channels and turn you around a lot and sometimes go man to man but they couldn’t press us today because of how well we played, so there are lots of positives.”
Reflecting on the goals, the first headed into the top corner by Rudoni from a cross and the second headed home by Thomas from a corner, the head coach said: “It was a great goal from Rudy and an assist from Ephron with the cross. We talk a lot about crossing in games in this league when you get opportunities with players in the box.
“We had just had a chance with Ellis (Simms) just before that and we stayed in there with numbers and we got quality in the box and Rudy can head it; he’s got that, so I am delighted for him because it has been a while since he scored.
“He’s so hungry to do so but I thought this was him at his best today, sharp and winning second balls and moving well and he got into his stride quickly, so that was great.
“And the set-piece goal, all credit to the lads who do the set-pieces because it was spot on. It was a good delivery from Grimesy and Bobby gets his goal.”
As for his side breaking the 17-year run since achieving a league victory over North End, Lampard said: “Yes, it’s great for the fans. I was aware of it because it was spoken about as soon as I came in, so I know what it is. We’re on a good run at the moment so you can feel a good feeling in the stadium anyway, and to do something like that is good for those who have been supporters of the club for a long time. So I am happy for them and happy for the three points.”
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