Why Lampard must not repeat the Taiwo Awoniyi mistake he made at Arsenal

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi featured for Coventry City as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the opening game of the 2026/27 English Premier League season, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The Sky Blues were champions of the Championship last season, but they were faced with the daunting task of playing league champions Arsenal.

​Earlier in the week, Awoniyi joined the club from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth €10.5 million. It was hailed as a great move, given Awoniyi’s Premier League experience and the reasonable fee.

​However, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard opted to start Ellis Simms as the lone striker. He later introduced Awoniyi in the 70th minute.

​At the time, Coventry were already three goals down. The Nigerian striker was unable to help reduce the deficit, and the game ended 3-0 after 90 minutes.

Going into the match, the Sky Blues were expected to receive a sound beating, and that is exactly what happened. Perhaps things could have gone better had Lampard made different decisions.

​The Taiwo Awoniyi Mistake That Lampard Made

​When Awoniyi arrived from Nottingham Forest, it was clear that Coventry were getting a quality striker capable of troubling any defence on his day.

​Going into the match against Arsenal, it was expected that the Super Eagles striker would start ahead of Simms, even though the transfer had only been completed earlier in the week.

​Aside from the gap in quality, Awoniyi has a solid record against Arsenal, having scored three goals in six previous meetings.

​Against Arsenal, there was really not much Simms could do. Gabriel was tight on him. Still, a better player could have done more.

​Simms struggled to hold up play. Whenever he was boxed into tight situations, he routinely surrendered possession to the Gunners.

​When Awoniyi entered the match, the difference was immediately clear. Cristhian Mosquera looked shaky against the Nigerian striker. Awoniyi was physical, sharp, quick, and hungry. It was obvious he deserved to start.

​Fitness was not an issue either, as Awoniyi had featured heavily in Nottingham Forest’s pre-season, playing 45 minutes across three matches.

​Benching Awoniyi was a major error by Lampard on opening day. If he wants his side to stay afloat in the top flight, he must make Awoniyi a central part of his setup.