Frank Lampard describes himself as a “small part of what’s going on” at Coventry and amid a raucous atmosphere it was clear that a place in the Championship playoffs was a collective effort. But Lampard made sure his small part was a significant one; making decisive interventions to dictate the direction of the game, as he has throughout a season of striking achievement.
Coventry were 17th and two points off the relegation places when Lampard was “given a chance” by owner, Doug King, in November after 18 months out of the game. 16 victories in 31 league games later and they finished the season in fifth place. A two-legged tie against Sunderland awaits, with the home leg first next Friday, but there was little celebration from Lampard, who has an eye on more success yet.
“I have always respected Coventry because of the history and tradition of the club,” Lampard said, looking back over the previous six months. “I remember watching the cup final in 87, one of my first ones. But I didn’t quite realise this fanbase. I didn’t quite realise the sound they make here. So, listen, I’m pleased that I am a small part in the club’s success because I think what’s happening now with the fans engaging and the players doing what they need to do has been a great thing for us. We’re not there yet, clearly, but from 17th to fifth, it needs everybody together to manage to do that.”
A double for Jack Rudoni earned the three points, the all-action midfielder one of the players who has benefited from Lampard’s guidance. Clearly the Coventry squad still reflects Mark Robins’ influence over seven seasons, but nobody is better placed to offer advice on arriving in the box than the Premier League’s record goalscorer from midfield.
“I think Thursday me and him just stayed out working on little cutbacks and finishes in different areas and it’s good because today showed that when you do that, you score; it happens,” Lampard said. The second goal was indeed a low finish from a cutback on a breakaway. The first goal came just before half-time, a header into the bottom corner after Rudoni pulled away from the crowds to meet a Tatsuhiro Sakamoto cross.
Coventry were made to work for their victory. Initial domination was slowly throttled by Middlesbrough, who themselves had come into the game with the chance of entering the playoffs if they could secure three points. While Rudoni and Sakamoto were most dangerous in the opening half hour, Boro’s Finn Azaz and Morgan Whittaker imposed themselves in the middle third of the match.
Conceding before half-time was not ideal for the visitors but they went again and could have equalised after half-time only for Azaz’s fierce shot to be parried to safety by goalkeeper Ben Wilson on the hour. Wilson also made a crucial interception to cut out Whittaker in a move that led to the second goal, with just minutes remaining in the game. Wilson, who had suffered a serious knee injury earlier in the season, was making his first appearance since October.
Lampard’s decision to drop Brad Collins for Wilson was bold but paid off. Equally, his decision to bring on Brandon Thomas-Asante for Ellis Simms in the second half turned the game. Asante’s pace gave the hosts a direct outlet that killed Boro’s momentum and it was the 26-year-old who chased down Wilson’s clearance to put Rudoni’s second goal on a plate.
For Boro, a period of calm may be required to get perspective on their season. Carrick said that a lack of consistency had been his team’s undoing and he pointed to an organised but progressive performance here as signs that the team have foundations on which to develop. Equally there will be those looking at league finishes over Carrick’s tenure of fourth, eighth and 10th and wondering if it is heading in the right direction.
“It was quiet in the dressing room, the boys were upset. It hurt them, it’s a sickening feeling,” Carrick said afterwards. “I care about the players a lot. It’s just how I am. We can definitely go forward together after today. As a group we’ve done some good work over the past three years, I do feel we’ve got a lot to build on.” Asked if he was planning for being at the Riverside Stadium next season, the answer was a definitive: “Yes.”
Source: theguardian.com
