adminFrank Lampard Sends Leeds United Reminder After Coventry City’s Heavy Arsenal Defeat
Leeds United are preparing to begin their new Premier League campaign away against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with supporters eagerly anticipating the return to top-flight action following an encouraging summer.
The Whites have impressed during pre-season, with several of their new signings already making a strong impact. Daniel Farke’s side have also produced some positive results against quality opposition, while further additions to the squad could still arrive before the transfer window closes.
Leeds will be hoping to reproduce the positive start they made to last season when they secured a dramatic late victory over Everton at Elland Road.
Lampard References Leeds After Coventry’s Defeat
Coventry City, another newly promoted side, were unable to enjoy a similar start on Friday night as they suffered a heavy defeat against reigning Premier League champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated proceedings and eventually cruised to a convincing 3-0 victory, leaving Frank Lampard with plenty to consider ahead of Coventry’s first season back in the Premier League.
Following the defeat, Lampard attempted to put the result into perspective while highlighting the importance of his players showing greater confidence.
Speaking to Sky News, the Coventry boss pointed to Leeds’ experience at the Emirates last season as an example of how one heavy defeat does not necessarily determine a team’s entire campaign.
Lampard said: “Every game won’t look like that. This is an Arsenal team buoyed by where they are at the moment. This was a team that was built and coached to get to this.
“I’m more concerned about the personality. I think we were a little bit timid in the first half. It’s hard. Leeds came here and lost the first game 4-0 and stayed in the Premier League. Players will get better, fitter. There are adjustments for us to make and we’ll make them.”
However, Lampard got his Leeds reference wrong. The Whites did suffer a heavy defeat at Arsenal last season, but the scoreline was 5-0, and crucially, it came in their second game of the campaign, rather than their opening fixture.
Lampard had previously spoken positively about Leeds and Sunderland, identifying both clubs as examples Coventry could follow after their own promotion to the Premier League.
Both Leeds and Sunderland managed to avoid relegation last season after strengthening their squads significantly during the summer transfer window.
Coventry, meanwhile, still relied heavily on players from their promotion-winning team in their starting XI against Arsenal. Lampard therefore has plenty of work to do in the transfer market before deadline day if his side are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Leeds took a different approach by recruiting players capable of handling the pace, physicality and intensity of Premier League football.
Based on Coventry’s performance against Arsenal, Lampard’s side still have considerable ground to make up if they are to achieve their survival target.
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