Awoniyi’s Dismissal Not Reason For Heavy Brighton Loss – Lampard

Photo Credit: Photo as originally published by Punch Newspapers / Coventry City FC
Awoniyi’s Dismissal Not Reason For Heavy Brighton Loss – Lampard
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard says Taiwo Awoniyi’s red card was not the sole reason for his side’s 5-0 thrashing by Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

The Sky Blues endured another difficult afternoon as they became only the second team in Premier League history to lose their opening four games without scoring, after Crystal Palace in 2017/18. It is also the first time in the club’s history they have failed to pick up a point or score in their first four league matches since 1919/20.

Brighton took charge after the break with two quick goals before Coventry were reduced to ten men. Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi was shown a straight red card in the 53rd minute for violent conduct after catching defender Maxim De Cuyper in the face with his arm during an aerial duel.

Referee Tony Harrington issued the red card instantly and VAR upheld the decision, with the Premier League Match Centre confirming the officials saw clear contact with the elbow.

Speaking after the game, Lampard insisted his team’s wastefulness in front of goal cost them more than the sending off.
“Well, at 2-0 down, I don’t think I can quite say that. I think it’s the moments throughout the game of us having chances, as we did last week at City, not taking them… Then, obviously, the red card’s a huge point in it,” Lampard said.
Awoniyi will now serve a standard three-match ban for violent conduct. He will miss Coventry’s trip to his former club Nottingham Forest next Saturday, the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa on Tuesday, and the Premier League clash with Newcastle United after the international break.

His teammate Ephron Mason-Clark defended the striker, describing him as “one of the nicest people” he has met and a top professional who was more disappointed than anyone.

The result moved Brighton up to fourth on the table, while Coventry remain bottom without a point.
Source: Punch Newspapers –