We Saw The Qualities We Brought Him Here For —Lampard Speaks On Awoniyi’s Display In Carabao Cup Win

Frank Lampard has praised Taiwo Awoniyi for his impressive performance in Coventry City’s win against lower division side Plymouth in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Awoniyi marked his first start for Coventry with a goal and assist as Coventry saw off Plymouth 4-2 to reach the third round.

The Nigeria international opened the scoring in the third minute when he was played in by a sublime flick from Ghana Black Stars midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi.

Awoniyi then turned provider after setting up Jack Rudoni who doubled the lead in the fifth minute.

Oliver Irow reduced the deficit after cutting inside Joel Latibeaudiere and beat goalkeeper Dan Bentley a bit too easily in the 21st minute.

Plymouth were on level terms early in the second half when substitute Xavier Ameachi dispossessed Liam Kitching.

Ephron Mason-Clark added a fresh threat when he went on at the hour and restored City’s lead with a well-worked tap-in.

Victor Torp completed the victory with a superb penalty finish into the top corner after Brandon Thomas-Asante was fouled in the box.

Asked about the eye-catching Awoniyi on his first start for the club, and whether the striker is still working on his match fitness and sharpness, Lampard said: “I think so. He played some good pre-season minutes at Forest, although probably not so much in his last sort of 10 days before coming to us.

“So it was good to get him on the pitch at the Emirates and then he starts the game tonight and he gets his goal and an assist, and yeah, he’ll be getting fit at this point but I thought we saw the qualities that we brought him here for.”