Coventry City player ratings as Victor Torp tops perfect week for Frank Lampard's men
Two goals from Victor Torp in each half saw Coventry City chalk up their third consecutive Championship victory to top a brilliant week of results.
Torp gave the Sky Blues a deserved lead just after the half hour mark after the home side had dominated much of the game to that point, with Brandon Thomas-Asante enjoying two early chances on goal before Jack Rudoni sent in a cross from the right for the Danish midfielder to convert from six yards after a well timed run.
The visitors were a different proposition after the break when they enjoyed far more of the ball than in the opening 45 minutes, resulting in City sitting deeper and soaking up a bit of pressure as the Hornets attempted to get back on level terms.
Chances were few and far between for Coventry in a frustrating first 15 minutes into the second period but Torp bagged an all-important second goal in the 74th minute when he lifted a free-kick over the wall from the edge of the D, leaving goalkeeper Jonathan Bond well beaten.
There was a frantic end to the game when Watford pulled one back in the 82nd minute when sub Sissoko drilled a shot at goal and Liam Kitching got a touch to send it past Oliver Dovin – the City keeper making a good save at his near post minutes later to deny an equaliser.
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STARTING FORMATION: 3-4-1-2/3-5-2
OLIVER DOVIN: 7
Had very little to do until the 42nd minute when he was forced into a good reaction save to deny Dele-Bashiru an equaliser. Had to react quickly to recover in order to deal with the rebound, which was a comfortable catch from a header. Made a cucial save at his near post to deny Chakvetadze an equaliser.
JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE: 6.5/7
Neat and tidy on the right of the back three where he was quick to cut out danger and helped the defensive unit function really effectively.
BOBBY THOMAS: 6.5/7
Deployed at the heart of the back three in place of Binks, the centre-back won his headers and organised those either side while defending well, making some important clearances and getting a foot in in the box. Organised an effect off-side trap.
LIAM KITCHING: 6.5/7
Had a chance to score at the back post early on but hooked over the bar. Displayed decent distribution out from the back and aggressive in the tackle. Unlucky to get the final touch from Sissoko’s shot for the Watford goal.
MILAN VAN EWIJK: 6
Played high up the pitch as City took the initiative in the first half but still feel like there’s more to come from the wing-back. Helped see out the game in a frantic climax the the match.
JAMIE ALLEN: 6.5/7
Busy and effective in midfield where he covered lots of ground and helped keep the ball moving. Another accomplished and effective performance.
VICTOR TORP: 8.5
Linked up nicely with the strikers, slipping Thomas-Asante into the box twice for two early chances as City started brightly. Gave City the 32nd minute lead with a well timed run and finish in the box. Terrific work-rate throughout and really starting to impose himself in the Championship. Scored City’s second with a brilliant free-kick from he edge of the D to secure the three points.
JAKE BIDWELL: 6
Solid and dependable display on the left where he got into space going forward on the attack.
JACK RUDONI: 7
Worked hard on the left of the midfield three and sent in some decent deliveries from set-pieces and open play, and provided the assist for Torp’s goal with a lovely cross from the right. Involved in the thick of the attacking play
BRANDON THOMAS-ASANTE: 6.5/7
Had two early chances on goal, the first hitting the side netting and the second getting pushed away by the keeper as he looked a real threat running in behind. Worked hard off the ball, tracking back to help defend when needed. Good shift.
ELLIS SIMMS: 6.5
Held up the ball well and used his strength and physicality to good effect as he continues to grow in confidence from a run in the side. Never really had a decent chance to score all game.
SUBSTITUTES:
TATSUHIRO SAKAMOTO (70 mins, for Thomas-Asante): 6
Made an immediate impact with some lively footwork as City attempted to get back on the attack after soaking up pressure for a long period in the second half.
JOSH ECCLES (79 mins, for Allen):
NORMAN BASSETTE (90+2, for Simms):
Subs (not used): Brad Collins (GK); Luis Binks, Jay Dasilva, Norman Bassette, Raphael Borges Rodrigues, Fabio Tavares, Jack Burroughs.
WATFORD (3-4-2-1): Jonathan Bond; Ryan Porteous, James Morris, Mattie Pollock; Yasser Larouci, Tom Dele-Bashiru (68 mins, for Moussa Sissoko), Girogi Chakvetadze, Jeremy Ngakia (HT, for Ryan Andrews); Edo Kayembe, Rocco Vata; Vakoun Bayo.
Subs (not used): Myles Roberts (GK), Francisco Sierralta, Tom Ince, Mamadou Doumbia, Angelo Ogbonna, James Abankwah, Amin Nabizada.
GOALS:
SKY BLUES: Torp (32, 74)
WATFORD: Kitching (82, OG)
REFEREE: Martin Coy
ATTENDANCE: 27,078 (2,354 away)
NEXT UP: Swansea (a) Saturday, February 1 (3pm).
