Coventry City match analysis from coventryLive as Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner looks at some of the big talking points from the 2-1 victory over Mark Robins' Stoke
06:00, 01 Mar 2026
Coventry City captain Matt Grimes gives his final words of encouragement in the team's pre-match huddle against Stoke
Coventry City captain Matt Grimes gives his final words of encouragement in the team's pre-match huddle against Stoke
Coventry City confirmed their recovery from their mid-term wobble with a fourth consecutive Championship win that strengthened their charge to the Premier League and maintains the pressure on their automatic promotion rivals.
Middlesbrough, Millwall and Ipswich fans must have thought the Sky Blues had dropped two points when the game ran into overtime at the CBS Arena, with the Sky Blues heading for a 1-1 draw with Stoke after Haji Wright’s 12th minute opener was cancelled out by Ben Gibson on the stroke of half-time.
But, for a second season running, Frank Lampard’s men popped up with a late winner against the Potters when Jack Rudoni steered home a loose ball in off the hapless covering defender Gibson – Bobby Thomas having secured a 3-2 win in the corresponding fixture last March. Here are some of the big talking points from the 2-1 victory over Mark Robins’ side that put the icing on the cake of the club’s annual Legends’ Day in front of a new record crowd of 31,516.
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City back in good moment
Frank Lampard insists his team’s return to promotion form is not by chance.
“We’re in a good moment,” he said, “ and they’ve fought to get into that good moment again. We’ve been in a good moment for big parts of the season and we have to understand why we’re in a good moment because of the work and the focus of everyone.
“And we have to try and do it for 11 more games because at the minute we’ve achieved nothing, we are just where we are. And if we can really focus, game after game and never get ahead of ourselves, never get too happy then we’ll be OK.”
Boro travel to Birmingham on Monday night, while Millwall and Ipswich maintained their grip on third and fourth place with wins over at Preston and home to Swansea, respectively. But the Lions are nine points adrift of City while Town are 11, albeit with two games in hand.
Frank Lampard looking happy at the end of Coventry City's victory over Stoke
Frank Lampard looking happy at the end of Coventry City's victory over Stoke
Rudi's complete performance
City’s return to form has coincided with Jack Rudoni hitting the levels he reached this time last year, with the attacking midfielder scoring for the third time in as many games, the last two of which have seen him bag the winning goals.
The 24-year-old has come through a frustrating period of injury set-backs and looks back to his best for the final run-in. Asked if he felt man-of-the-match Rudoni put in pretty much a complete performance, Lampard replied: “Yeah everything, and physically he’s in great nick now. He didn’t have the chance to get physically at his best since the calf injury earlier in the season and now, through his own work ethic and hunger, he’s got himself there, both on and off the ball.
“And when he’s that good and the sharpness is there and his feet are really there – and he’s got great feet in this league – he also has an eye for goals and assists. So yeah, he’s really getting back to his level and he’s still a young man, so we hope there’s a lot more to come.”
Coventry City's Jack Rudoni celebrates his winner against Stoke
Coventry City's Jack Rudoni celebrates his winner against Stoke
Haji closes in on magic 20
Haji Wright’s fifth goal in four matches saw the USA striker maintain his recovering form and edge ever closer to the magic 20 goal mark. He made his perfectly executed far post header to nod home Jay Dasilva’s pinpoint cross look almost effortless, and it took his season’s tally to 16 (15 in the league).
That puts the City player up to second place in the division’s golden boot standings, just one off current leader, Zan Vipotnik of Swansea.
Asked about Wright being so close to his impressive milestone with plenty of games left to go above and beyond, Lampard said: “Yeah, and it was a great goal and a great ball from Jay. With the pressure we were putting on the first half it looked so simple, but it’s real quality from Jay and from Haji – a clinical header from him. And it’s good, yeah, he’s in good form. So when you’re in good form, keep going and take advantage of it. And he did that.”
Coventry City's Haji Wright celebrates scoring against Stoke
Coventry City's Haji Wright celebrates scoring against Stoke
Example to everyone
Haji’s form, of course, is having a knock-on effect on his direct rival for the number nine spot, Ellis Simms. But the former Everton centre-forward has been praised by his manager for both his contribution in the winning goal but also his attitude as current understudy.
Going on as a like-for-like replacement in the 78th minute, Simms put in plenty of hard running which paid dividends in the 94th minute when he chased a ball over the top from Brandon Thomas-Asante, going into a 50-50 with goalkeeper Tommy Simkin whose attempted clearance fell loose to Rudoni to score.
“Ellis was directly involved in the goal, obviously, and he got that assist from how he’s been and how he’s trained,” said Lampard.
“Haji is scoring at the minute and starting more. Ellis had his period of doing that but his attitude’s been first class and it’s a great example for everyone.”
Coventry City's Ellis Simms closes in on Stoke goalkeeper Tommy Simkin
Coventry City's Ellis Simms closes in on Stoke goalkeeper Tommy Simkin in the build-up to the winning goal
Lampard’s luxury
Simms wasn’t the only sub to make an impact on the day. Victor Torp slotted in for Frank Onyeka who had to withdraw early after the break after taking a first half knock, while Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Thomas-Asante both added some much-needed urgency and speed to City’s approach play as Lampard continues to enjoy the luxury of game changing options on the bench.
“Yeah, you’re right, the boys who went on were good and this is what we need a squad for,” agreed the head coach. “And the boys, they train great every day. The big bulk of the group, the ones that aren’t playing are invested in it and it has to stay that way. And they all made a big difference when we needed them because, as I say, we were knocking on the door a lot against Stoke and were there when we needed that little injection.”
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Our dedicated reporter Andy Turner - who you can follow on X - follows the Sky Blues home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.
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