Brian Dick

Coventry City suffered a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in their first Premier League match since 2001. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a two-goal lead inside 23 minutes, before Martin Odegaard added a third early in the second half. Coventry’s players received mostly low ratings, with goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, Milan van Ewijk and Frank Onyeka among those criticised, while Bobby Thomas, Joel Amenda and Ellis Simms were viewed more positively.

Frank Lampard says the challenges of his second spell at Chelsea and his wider managerial career have made him more reflective and better equipped to lead Coventry City in the Premier League. Coventry, promoted after 25 years outside the top flight, begins its campaign against reigning champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Lampard is encouraged by the club's seven new signings and wants his players to approach the season with belief, energy and a determination to compete in every match.

Taiwo Awoniyi has completed a £9 million transfer from Nottingham Forest to Coventry City after four years at Forest. Owner Evangelos Marinakis described the striker as one of the defining figures of the club’s recent journey, praising his strength, determination, positivity and connection with supporters. Awoniyi made 103 appearances and scored 23 goals for Forest, including important goals during their return to the Premier League and four goals last season after recovering from a serious abdominal injury. Both Forest and Awoniyi issued emotional messages wishing him well at Coventry.

Coventry City have signed Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest for an estimated £9 million, making him the club's sixth summer addition ahead of their opening Premier League fixture against Arsenal. The 29-year-old Nigeria international brings experience and 23 goals from 103 appearances for Forest, although he made only six league starts over the previous two seasons. His arrival strengthens Frank Lampard's forward options amid uncertainty over Haji Wright's fitness, while Coventry are also reportedly interested in Fenerbahçe striker Sidiki Cherif.

Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner has praised Taiwo Awoniyi as both an excellent footballer and a popular, committed person as the striker approaches a reported £17 million move to Coventry City. Forest gave Awoniyi a guard of honour and ovation after a pre-season win over Brest. Coventry hope to complete the signing in time for the trip to Arsenal, with Haji Wright injured and Ellis Simms currently the main available striker.

Coventry City ended their pre-season programme with a 2-0 home victory over AS Monaco at the CBS Arena. Ellis Simms opened the scoring after a well-weighted pass from Matt Grimes, before debutant Caleb Yirenkyi set up Loum Tchaouna for a second. Coventry controlled much of the first half and defended effectively after the break, while goalkeeper Carl Rushworth made key saves. Gustavo Hamer returned to the club for the final quarter-hour and received a strong reception from supporters. Coventry now face Arsenal away in their league opener.

Coventry City completed their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win over AS Monaco at the CBS Arena. Ellis Simms opened the scoring from Matt Grimes’s pass before Loum Tchaouna doubled the lead after a Caleb Yirenkyi assist. Yirenkyi received the highest rating for an impressive debut, while Carl Rushworth, Aurele Amenda and Tchaouna also performed well. Monaco created a few chances but failed to score, and Coventry now prepare to face Arsenal.