Returns to what Coventry City’s manager said about a reluctant experiment being a “blistering” game changer
Andy Turner, a Sky Blues reporter, covers some of the major talking points and takeaways from Coventry City’s 1-1 CBS Arena draw with Norwich in this match analysis from CoventryLive.
For the first time this season, Coventry City overcame a first-half goal deficit to earn just one point from a game in which they appeared to be in position to claim all three. Given the late onslaught from Mark Robins’ team, who seemed reenergized after three changes were made with 20 minutes remaining in the game, it’s safe to say that if the Sky Blues had played for another five or 10 minutes, they very well could have found the finishing touch that eluded them earlier in the game.
Lati provides evidence.
For weeks, Mark Robins had avoided using Joel Latibeaudiere in a holding midfield position, but when the summer acquisition played the final 20 or so minutes, he decided it was time to give the position a go. Ben Sheaf and Liam Kelly’s injuries required him to act, and Jamie Allen was filling in. Jamie Allen, who had just recently fully recovered from his summer heart issue, started to wane in his third game in eight days.
When Luis Binks was brought on, the center-half moved forward into the middle of the park even though he had initially replaced Liam Kitching in the back three.
Tats is much better.
The most serious complaint that could be leveled against Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, who made a rare start for the Sky Blues, is that he appeared to lack the self-assurance to challenge his opponent. Fans of the Sky Blues were familiar with their opponent, former City wing-back Sam McCallum.
The technically skilled player from Japan can drop his shoulder, cut in from the corner flag to set up Yasin Ayari for a good shot at goal, and then cut the opposite way to get through his defender. He did this excellently in the second half.
Later, the 26-year-old shown his adaptability by moving to the left.blistering return
Milan van Ewijk’s game-changing cameo from the bench highlighted how much he’s been missed in recent weeks. When he came in, the wing-back immediately added energy and vitality to the right flank. In the 88th minute, Norwich defender Ben Gibson unintentionally deflected the wing-back’s cross past his own goalie.
After missing three games due to a quad injury, the Dutchman made a welcome return to the field a few minutes later and nearly scored himself. Obviously pleased with his effort, Robins said: “I thought Milan was blazing and he was really unfortunate not to score when the goalkeeper made a terrific save from him at the end after he managed to get a shot off, but he was really unfortunate not to score.
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