The Coventry City debrief: Preston North End star dearly missed Sky Blues credit Brentford man’s challenge..
Talking points after Preston North End’s 2-1 defeat to Coventry City
Massively off the pace
North End’s recent away trips to Watford and Norwich were enjoyable and the hope was that the Lilywhites could replicate that level of performance against the Sky Blues. PNE did actually make a steady start to the match with their defensive structure sound, the home faithful quietened and some early attacking encouragement down the right flank. However, Preston never created that golden chance though and gradually dropped off and off.
By the time Jack Rudoni headed in the opener there was a sense of inevitability about it. Coventry had sustained territory in North End’s half and started to ask questions. It felt as though a cross may well eventually end up in the back of PNE’s net and Rudoni ghosted in unmarked. At that stage it was about getting in at the break and regrouping but a dismal second goal was conceded; one neither Ryan Porteous or Freddie Woodman will want to see again.
A play-off push has never been on the cards for Preston this campaign; it might’ve been had they not dropped some of the particularly frustrating points they have. It would, though, have been a boost to push higher up the table and get in and around it. One point from the last couple of matches has left them still stuck in 15th though and, while the point gap to the top half is not far away, PNE just haven’t been able to win enough games.
At Coventry, the performance was a major disappointment. As manager Paul Heckingbottom mentioned in his post-match interview the intensity and aggression just wasn’t there; the Sky Blues were superior in that regard and will have surely anticipated a tougher day at the office. Similarly to Blackburn Rovers away, Preston made the closing stages interesting and had a late push. On the balance of play though this was a display that deserved what it got.
Main man missed
This always looked like being a tough trip – one in which Preston’s magnificent league record against Coventry had never felt less relevant. Frank Lampard’s team were on a strong run of form and news of Mads Frokjaer being an injury doubt felt significant. The Dane has been a stand out performer in recent weeks for North End; when he plays well the rest tends to follow for the Lilywhites.
Not only that, but with livewire Duane Holmes injured there was a big onus on Sam Greenwood to create. And, as touched on recently, the Leeds United man has not been at his best of late. The 23-year-old struggled to make an impact on the day but so many others were off the pace too. There was no flow or conviction about PNE’s play and Frokjaer’s absence was absolutely felt.
