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Pre match mood - Assured that 3 points were on the cards. Even the light rain couldn't dampen spirits.
Prediction - 3-0
First half - Started very lively, and the perfect start came in the 5th minute when Gerrard headed in from close range. City found their stride and played some lovely football, the ball fizzing around on the wet surface. Bothroyd had decided to take part tonight and was soon hunting down clearances. Chances came aplenty and more goals looked certain
Second half - Stepped up a gear which was good to see. Coventry just couldn't seem to put any passage of play together, and when they did, Morrison and Best looked lame upfront. Burke was skinning anything in front of him, and Matthews ventured forward assuringly. The penalty was just desserts for the consistent pressure we were piling on. Should really have been 4 or 5 at the end of the night.
Thumbs up - The way Matthews and Burke were linking up was excellent. The boy Matthews had another fine performance and seems to get better every time I see him. It was nice to see the ball on the deck for most of the game for a change. When City kept it simple they were far more direct and were running rings around the Coventry defence. Must mention Marshall too. He too is looking like a good signing. He goes about his business with minimal fuss, is a good shot stopper and can kick a ball too. We may finally have sorted out the goalkeeping headache of recent seasons.
Thumbs down - Free kicks. I can't remember a decent free kick so far this season. There's no middle ground, it's either blasted straight at the wall, or troubling the fans at the back of the stands. Midfield could've got stuck in a bit more earlier on. Ledley could've been more effective.
Crowd highlight(s) - The second half ribbing of poor Hussey desperately wanting the ball out on the left. "Do the Hussey Hussey", and strangely cheering him on when he attacked Stan down the left. I laughed so much I genuinely had tears in my eyes. Crowd improv at its best.
Man of the Match - Quite a few contenders for a change, but I'd go with Gerrard. He looked solid and commanding at the back. He's developing a good partnership with Hudson, but lets keep things in perspective here....it was only Coventry
CCFC verdict - Professional and business like. No frills, got into a stride early on, pushed on, stepped up through the gears and finished the job.
Visitor's verdict - Poor. Just a bad away trip. I don't think they'll go down but they may find themselves caught up in the relegation dogfight come the end of the season.
