Ratings:
Cooper 6/10 – Did not have that much to do really. A few routine things but in terms of actual saves – very little of note came into him as he was well protected? Made a smart save from the Wright shot and seemed assured as normal but then a rare error as he failed to take a corner and was outjumped and sort of ran into Robinson. Will be disappointed with his part in this as his standards are so high.
Seriki 7/10 – Now seems to have made the shirt his own with the injury issues of Clarke and Gilchrist. Sure, he makes a few mistakes defensively and at times I felt he gave his man too much room at times but he had a good contest with Mason Clark all game and I felt won it by some distance. Real threat going forward all game and had a few good runs where he turned the defenders around and then set up the second with a determined run and driven cross.
Burrows 7/10 – Continues to look an assured player and used it well throughout. He put some decent balls down the wing but also was always looking to get in and try and cross it when well advanced. Defended well tonight and not sure he got beat at all. Just a solid game.
Ahmedhodzic 8/10 – Thought he completely dominated the battle with Wright – a player who had been in great form and took Sunderland apart. Was on it from the beginning in terms of getting to the ball first and reading the play. He made some good interceptions and was alert to any danger. Came out with the ball when he could and we played higher up the field than we have in many other home games.
Robinson 7/10 – Played well and thought he just did his job with little fuss. He cleared it when he could but moved it quicker than he has in previous games, when he did have possession. Seemed determined to get on top of their players and we were front foot as the defence were never forced back and often won their duels.
Peck 7/10 – Did his job in terms of keeping the ball, moving it on and making those interceptions or picking up loose balls. Just played a mature performance in terms of sitting in when he had to but also drove with it when he could. Had two good chances, either side of half time – first he sort of miskicked but had a better effort second half but was blocked. Watching him slowly establish himself as a big part of this team has been great to see.
Choudhury 8/10 – He was good against Wednesday and today took it up another level and thought was excellent. Always seemed to be where the ball was and covered lots of ground – especially after his busy few weeks away with Bangladesh. He provides us with another player to kick start attacks as he drops back into defence and plays almost a quarter back role. Thought the ball almost seemed magnetised to him at times. Just played it sensible but was very energetic throughout. Good we do not have to rush Souza back with his form.
Hamer 7.5/10 – I was annoyed with two lazy giveaways early on and then bang, he flicks it round a man, gets upended and then steps up and bang – it is in the net. Wonderful goal and sort of skill that very few players at this level can deliver. He hit is so hard, as well as the unerring accuracy. After this we saw flashes of ability throughout – sometimes it comes off, sometimes does not quite work but his play on the ball and ability to prompt and create is hard for opponents to pick up and stop.
Brewster 7/10 - Another goal and another decent showing where he linked up quite well with others and his chemistry with Campbell seems to be really growing. Some ok pieces of play first half where he tried to combine and create but maybe should have done better with that shot that blocked. Second half he was in that 10 role and nearly got in a few times before he did and this time his finish was superb.
Campbell 7.5/10 – A constant threat with his movement, touch and ability to drive at the defenders. He scored one superb finish, that he made look easy – it was not and could have had 2 or 3 more. Had the three chances (miskick, header and pulled shot) in a matter of a few minutes. Continued to be on the shoulders of the last man and was a nuisance throughout. Been a superb signing and now our main striker.
Brereton Diaz 6/10 – Thought he was quiet for long spells. Did have a few bits of link up but his touch let him down in these moments first half when well placed. I thought he tired badly again second half and left Seriki on his own too much but then after I was asking for him to be taken off, he makes a good run inside and lays it off for Brewster to finish.
Subs -
Cannon 5/10 – Another largely disappointing showing sadly. I felt him having just over 20 minutes and with us 3 up, the pressure was off but he had 2 or 3 chances and made the wrong decision or just get muscled out of it. Seemed desperate to score as shown by shooting again when he should have passed. He was quite slow when given two breaks to go on and produce something but took an age to get it under control and was blocked on one and sort of crowded out on another. Surprised Moore is not getting time as the first striker off the bench as at least with his physical presence, is something to hit and would be a handful.
O’Hare 6/10 – Busy cameo. Came on and had a few shots blocked. Did go to the Coventry fans who booed him as he came over (after they had given him stick when he warmed up/came on). Certainly, quite different reactions for the former Coventry men.
Gilchrist – Looked a bit indecisive and slow when he came on but to be expected after so long out.
Brooks – Not given a lot of time and not sure he had many touches.
McCallum – Ditto as above. Bit slow to react on the goal as Rudoni reacted quicker.
Manager: Wilder 8/10 – Excellent performance where we looked dangerous going forward, defended well and controlled the game where it mattered and in the end was a comfortable win. He takes credit for finding the big performance in a home game after some inconsistent form at the Lane – at least in terms of how we have played. Today the side were played some nice stuff going forward but had control of the game. He ensured we could break the press and get our key forward players into areas where they could hurt the opponents.
Coventry – I expected them to have a real go and show their attacking threats and gusto we have seen them display against others – as they have been on a great run to surge into the playoff places. Yet, tonight they never really got going. The first 20 minutes was even-ish but felt they did not really attack too much and were a bit passive. They concede the free kick and then the goal is a real kick in the teeth, especially from a former player. After this they sort of fell apart and they let another in and then the keeper mucks around (and gets injured as result) and is nearly caught but then had 2 or 3 other huge opportunities to score more. They struggled with our movement and play in transition and they just seemed powerless to stop it. They improved a bit after the break with Grimes more on the ball and Rudoni helping, but they never threatened hugely at all. Lampard conceded they were beaten by a better side.
Think they will get in the playoffs and be a dangerous opponent so hope we get up and do not have to see them again! Lampard was quite complimentary about Wilder (and vice versa) and they seem to both respect/like each other. He has done a great job there despite me never always being convinced with him as a manager. I wonder though if they would have climbed the league anyway regardless of whether Robins stayed or went?
Opponent Man of the Match – Grimes is a decent midfielder and slowly got on the ball more and was the one looking to make things happen. Rudoni gave them another body, and showed again that he can get goals.
Opponent Weak link – Thought that Wright was not in it but Sakamoto was a real disappointment and offered little at all. Mason Clark had a few moments but Seriki stuck to his task well.
Referee/Officials – Oliver Langford. Fine really and few things of real controversy. Booked two of their lads for poor and cynical tackles and BBD for reacting to the latter one. Cannot recall too much he got wrong and did try and let the game flow. I thought their goal was fine and Cooper has to do better. I would have been annoyed if they had disallowed it, if we had scored it (we had one with Anel v Boro similar).
Crowd – Better atmosphere which often it is, when under the lights and thought the crowd were noisier and more appreciative. Coventry always come in decent numbers but by the end many had left. Those that stayed then applauded and then booed their respective returning players which is odd as both left to play for a better team (and admittedly with a better contract) but they seem ok with Hamer but not O’Hare (former netted them decent money I suppose). Good to see a 30k crowd and the Lane in good spirits throughout and especially at full time as the tunes were being banged out as the team came round the pitch! Need that sort of atmosphere against the Millwall’s, Cardiff’s etc.
