Frank Lampard has praised Frank Onyeka after his first goal for Coventry City, but admitted his side were far from convincing in the opening stages of their dramatic 3-2 victory over Derby County.
In what turned out to be a thrilling encounter, Coventry had to rely on a much-improved second-half performance to secure all three points, something Lampard acknowledged in his post-match reaction.
“We were better in the second half,” he said, pointing to a clear shift in performance after the break.
The manager admitted that his team struggled in the first half, lacking intensity and control, which allowed Derby County to remain competitive in the game.
“The start wasn’t good enough,” he implied, highlighting areas that need improvement as the season reaches its critical phase.
Despite those concerns, Lampard reserved praise for Onyeka, whose contribution, including his opening goal, played a significant role in the victory.
“He did well,” he noted, recognizing the midfielder’s growing importance within the team.
Onyeka’s performance continues to attract attention, with his energy, awareness, and ability to influence key moments making him a valuable asset for Coventry.
For Lampard, however, the focus remains on the bigger picture.
While the win was crucial in maintaining momentum in the Championship, he emphasized the need for consistency across all phases of the game.
“We have to be better,” he stressed, signaling that improvements are still required.
As Coventry push toward promotion, performances like this highlight both their strengths and vulnerabilities.
The ability to respond in the second half shows resilience, but the slow start raises questions about focus and preparation.
For now, the result is what matters most.
But as Lampard makes clear, if Coventry are to achieve their goals, they must deliver complete performances.
Because in football, winning is important. But sustaining it requires more.
