Coventry City suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Norwich City, as Borja Sainz’s goal early in the second half condemned them to a second defeat of the season.
Their performance was far from impressive. Despite starting the game 11 places higher in the Championship table, Coventry extended their winless streak against Norwich to 11 matches, with their last victory over the Canaries dating back to 2009. Coventry had an early chance when Jake Bidwell’s ball over the top caught Norwich’s defence off guard, but Ellis Simms could not convert.
Norwich responded with a Shane Duffy header that narrowly missed the target from a Marcelino Nunez corner, and Gunn made a crucial save with his feet to deny Haji Wright at the other end. The visitors enjoyed significant possession, but Coventry continued to press, with Victor Torp setting up Simms at the near post, only for Gunn to block his effort.
Norwich introduced Anis Ben Slimane and 18-year-old Oscar Schwartau in the second half for their league debuts. The changes paid off quickly, as Sainz scored his third goal of the season with a deflected shot that beat Coventry goalkeeper Oliver Dovin, thanks to a pass from Jack Stacey.
Coventry fought hard for an equalizer, with substitute Ephron Mason-Clark forcing another save from Gunn, who again used his feet to keep out the attempt. Sainz nearly doubled Norwich’s lead, but his shot went just wide after being set up by Josh Sargent.
In a final push to salvage a point, Coventry boss Mark Robins brought on striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, but Norwich held firm, with Gunn saving a late angled shot from Josh Eccles.
The result leaves the Sky Blues in the upper echelons of the bottom half of the table, with four points from four matches.
Writer’s View
This was Johannes Hoff Thorup’s first win as Norcih boss, and they’re expected to be challenging at the top end of the table, so it will be a relief.
The Sky Blues, so close to promotion season before last, will also hope to mount a challenge after finishing ninth last season. This result certainly won’t define their campaign, but the early form does seem to point to them possibly clinging on to the coattails of the top six.
However, some fans may have been disappointed with the second half, with Coventry not really impressive at all. There was some disquiet at the final whistle, and perhaps the international break has come at the right time, giving Mark Robins a chance to work on his side’s approach.
Be the first to comment