Super show of squad strength as Sky Blues reach third round for first time in 12 years
CARABAO CUP SUCCESS PROVES ROBINS HAS REAL GAME-CHANGING OPTIONS
COVENTRY City completed a CBS Arena league and cup double over Oxford United in the space of 11 days to make a rare progression beyond the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The Sky Blues made nine changes and the U’s eight from their Championship exploits from the weekend, and only two players from either side – Joel Latibeaudiere and Josh Eccles for City and centre-backs Sam Long and Ciaron Brown for the visitors – started the league game on August 16, making for almost two entirely different teams.
Mark Robins’ men looked the stronger of the two and pretty much dominated the second 45 minutes when they got a deserved goal from Brandon Thomas-asante and might have had a couple more had it not been for the impressive Matt Ingram in the Oxford goal. Here we look at what we learned from the 1-0 win.
Long overdue
City’s victory was the first time the club had progressed to the third round of the league cup in 12 long years. The last time they got this far was back in 2012/13 when Mark Robins had just been appointed first time around. After beating Dagenham and Redbridge and Birmingham in the first and second rounds they earned a trip to Arsenal where they were duly smashed 6-1 in the manager’s opening game in charge of the club during his first stint. Asked who he’d like in the next round, Robins joked: “Anyone as long as it’s not a repeat of the Arsenal game!”
The reason the club have fared so poorly in the competition is because it has largely been used as a fitness exercise to get peripheral players up to speed with game time, while also blooding young development lads.
Strongest second 11
Robins fielded easily his strongest second 11 of his entire City tenure as competition hots up for places. In fact, it could easily have been considered an alternative first team selection, given the strength in depth at his disposal – a clear sign that the club is progressing and looking to fulfil its ambitions this term. Most managers want two players competing for each position and the Sky Blues boss is close to achieving that, aside from another recognised right-back.
He now has real game-changing options from his nine-man bench and, as was shown on Tuesday night, his substitutions just after the hour following Thomas-asante’s goal injected renewed intent to secure the victory.
Waiting to feel the full force
City’s squad is clearly the strongest it has been for years – certainly in Robins’ time at the club – and packed full of pace, skill and exciting attacking players. But it remains a work-inprogress with several individuals catching the eye with their speed, trickery and movement in the final third but not yet tactically secure. Robins made the point after the game that he wants his players to show more speed of thought, passing and movement, and that’s something that will come with time as the summer signings bed in further as the season progresses. Certainly, all the tools are there with exciting new additions in Ephron Mason-clark, Thomasasante and Norman Bassette – the latter of whom made an impressive debut – adding to a potent looking mix When it does finally click the Sky Blues are going to be a force.
Biggest cheer of the night
Ben Sheaf earned the biggest cheer of the night when he stepped off the bench to make his long-awaited first appearance of the season following five weeks out with an ankle injury.
The influential midfielder and Sky Blues skipper has been greatly missed in the opening games of the campaign. The 26-year-old got through about 20 minutes and may need to build up his match minutes in the coming games due to missing much of the pre-season. But the mere fact that he is back playing is a huge boost to the team.
Jamie the unsung hero
ANALYSIS
Jamie Allen chalked up his 150th appearance for the club and while he might not be the most dynamic of players in some fans’ eyes, he’s a manager’s dream and perfect squad player. He’s fit, never stops running, is tactically disciplined and he doesn’t moan or sulk if he’s not playing – all qualities that have meant Robins has stayed loyal to him for the last five years. Every team needs a Jamie Allen. SKY BLUES: Wilson, Latibeaudiere (van Ewijk 63), Thomas, Kitching, Dasilva, Allen (Sheaf 73), Eccles (Overgaard 63), Mason-clark, Palmer (Rudoni 90), THOMAS-ASANTE, Bassette (Sakamoto 63). Subs: Collins, Simms, Wright, Bidwell.
OXFORD: Ingram, Kioso, Long, Brown, Leigh, Mceachran (Vaulks 61), Dale (Goodrham 61), Sibley, Brannagan (El Mizouni 61), Ebiowei (Rodrigues 77), Scarlett (Harris 83). Subs: Eastwood, Currie, Golding, O’donkor.
Goals: Thomas-asante (57) – Sky Blues Referee: Will Finnie (Bedfordshire). Attendance: 11,808.
Next up: Norwich City (h) Saturday, 12.30pm.