Coventry City let Foxes out of the trap

By Ian Palmer on Aug 8, 11 03:07 PM in Fans

Whether it was because of tiredness or a lack of inspiration, with Leicester content with their one-nil second half advantage in Saturday's season opener, City were unable to conjure anything likely to result in an equaliser.

Our rivals certainly handled the ten versus ten conditions better than we did. In contrast City looked incapable of taking the game to their opponents, lacking in the invention to hurt Leicester in areas where it mattered.

It all would've been so different, however, had Carl Baker not thrown himself into a that rash second half challenge. He might feel harshly treated to have seen red, but given the situation, given Vassell's dismissal, Baker should have realised the inevitable consequences of such a lunge.

City were in control with their man-advantage: perhaps the only condition in which we stood a realistic chance of winning the game. Squandering that advantage handed the game to Leicester, given City's lack of attacking nous.

What they needed was a man to turn to for a bit of magic, a game-changing moment, a chance out of nothing. City don't seem to have anyone that fits that bill.

Andy Thorn lamented the "lack of professionalism" that let Leicester back into a game City had control of, but there will be many facets of his team's display that will have pleased our boss.

The team picked up where it left off last season, knocking the ball around with equanimity and assurance, albeit in neutral areas of the pitch. Only shots from distance and one tight-angle blast from Jutkiewicz looked like affecting the scoreline.

Debutants Cyrus Christie and Gael Bigirimana were two of City's best players. Christie showed the confidence of a first-team regular at right-back, and in City's midfield Bigirimana stood out. Always wanting the ball, and using it well, Bigirimana could be a real asset this season.

City were a match for the affluent Foxes, but lacked what many had suspected from the outset. If City are going to avoid struggling this year, they're going to need a danger man. Someone to make defenders think twice. Someone who can change games.

Until then, Thorn will have to make do with the talent he has. And talented his players are, but it's no good if they're not on the pitch.

1 Comments

Caelii said:

Exrtmeely helpful article, please write more.

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