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Frank Onyeka played a starring role as Coventry secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Derby, further solidifying their position at the top of the EFL Championship.
Onyeka opened the scoring in the 12th minute, sending a right-footed shot from the right side of the box into the top left corner, giving Coventry an early lead.
Derby responded in the 38th minute through Ben Brereton Díaz.
A great cross from Matt Clarke into the box found Diaz, who headed the ball past the goalkeeper to level the score.
The second half was even more eventful with three goals.
Jack Rudoni restored Coventry’s lead in the 68th minute, exploiting space to beat his marker and fire a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom right corner.
Derby earned a lifeline when the referee awarded them a penalty in the 77th minute.
Diaz stepped up again, sending goalkeeper Carl Rushworth the wrong way to score his second goal of the game.
Coventry responded immediately and Rudoni scored the decisive third goal just four minutes later, securing the victory.
Highlight performance
Onyeka’s performance was one of the highlights of the match.
He completed 24 passes, including three into the final third, made four tackles, one interception, six ball recoveries and won eight duels, demonstrating his integral contribution.
Also read: Victor Osimhen wins Milliyet Footballer of the Year award
Lampard praises Onyeka
Coventry manager Frank Lampard praised the on-loan midfielder, saying the Nigerian’s all-round game has been exceptional.
“The work he does to score is exactly what he’s been doing for us and that’s what we brought him in for, breaking up the game. But there’s more to his game. The physical part of his game is one thing, and breaking it down. But he’s got that too: shooting.
“Overall, he’s a quality player and an incredible lad who comes from the Premier League with incredible humility, where he just comes in and works. He’s a lovely guy and I’m delighted for him. This place already loves him.”
The victory leaves Coventry 11 points clear at the top of the Championship with six games remaining, putting them in a strong position to secure promotion to the Premier League.
