Awoniyi’s Red Not to Blame for Brighton Defeat — Lampard

Coventry City coach Frank Lampard has refused to blame Taiwo Awoniyi’s red card for his side’s 5-0 defeat to Brighton, saying the team’s failure to take its chances was a bigger factor in the heavy loss.

Coventry became only the second team in Premier League history to lose their opening four matches without scoring, following Crystal Palace’s feat in the 2017/18 season.

The defeat also marked the first time in Coventry’s history that the club had failed to register either a goal or a point from their opening four league matches.

Brighton took control after the break, scoring twice before Coventry were reduced to 10 men following Awoniyi’s dismissal for violent conduct.

The Nigerian striker was shown a straight red card eight minutes into the second half after catching Brighton defender Maxim De Cuyper in the face with his arm while challenging for an aerial ball.

Referee Tony Harrington immediately dismissed Awoniyi, while a subsequent VAR review upheld the decision.

Brighton then capitalised on their numerical advantage, scoring three more goals to complete a convincing victory.

However, Lampard insisted that Awoniyi’s dismissal was not solely responsible for the result. The Coventry manager pointed instead to his team’s inability to convert opportunities before the red card.

Lampard said Coventry had created chances and could have put themselves in front but failed to take advantage of them.

The manager acknowledged that the red card was a major turning point but maintained that the problems had begun earlier in the match.

Awoniyi’s dismissal means the Nigerian striker is set to serve a three-match suspension for violent conduct. He is expected to miss Coventry’s Premier League trip to former club Nottingham Forest, the Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa and the league meeting with Newcastle United.

Coventry teammate Ephron Mason-Clark expressed sympathy for Awoniyi, describing him as a top professional and one of the nicest people he had met.

Mason-Clark said the striker had been deeply affected by the incident and was disappointed with himself.

The defeat leaves Coventry at the bottom of the Premier League table without a point or goal from their first four matches.

Brighton, meanwhile, moved up to fourth position following the emphatic victory.

Lampard will now have to prepare his side for their upcoming fixtures without Awoniyi while trying to find a solution to Coventry’s serious scoring problems.

The manager will also hope his players can become more clinical in front of goal as they attempt to recover from their difficult start to life in the Premier League.