Frank Lampard’s managerial return with Coventry City began with a 2-2 draw against Cardiff on Saturday, as Victor Torp’s late penalty spared the former England midfielder from a debut defeat.
Lampard, appointed on a two-and-a-half-year contract following Mark Robins’ surprise sacking earlier in November, is hoping to get his managerial career back on track after a mixed tenure in the Premier League. This is Lampard’s first return to management since his second spell at Chelsea ended in May 2023.
The match started poorly for Coventry when Yakou Meite headed Cardiff into the lead within the first four minutes. However, Ephron Mason-Clark equalised quickly for Coventry, and Alex Robertson’s stunning strike early in the second half appeared enough for Cardiff.
But with the game deep into stoppage time, Torp converted a penalty in the 89th minute to rescue a point for Coventry, lifting them three points clear of the relegation zone.
“I think being tougher is something as a group we can be,” Lampard said after the game. In terms of our performance at the minute it’s slightly off, I felt today, so there’s lots to take on and work on. But I don’t want to be bordering on the side of negative because I’m pleased that we’ve got our point. I know what this league’s like.”
Elsewhere, Plymouth’s poor run continued under Wayne Rooney, suffering a 4-0 defeat at Bristol City. Leeds also dropped points, losing 1-0 at Blackburn, as Todd Cantwell’s first-half penalty sealed Blackburn’s third consecutive win.
Burnley moved up to second place with a 2-0 win over Stoke, while Hull, after sacking Tim Walter, slipped to a 3-1 loss at Middlesbrough. Norwich impressed with a 4-2 victory over Luton, building on their midweek triumph.
