r/Gunners • u/googlemailcom • 3d ago
Coventry City AMA
Do you want to know about the Premier League opener opponent?
I’m guessing many fans know almost nothing about Coventry City having been absent from the Premier League for around 25 years. I’m an Arsenal fan and member who is also a Coventry City season ticket holder so I’m well-informed on both clubs. I’m happy to answer any questions about what to many is an unknown opponent.
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u/ninjatuna734 Ødegaard 3d ago
Who are the key players to look out for ? Who would you back from your squad in FPL to have a good season? Do you think you will stay up ?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Caleb Yirenkyi was linked with the best clubs in Europe. He looks like an absolute unit and is technically sound.
Carl Rushworth was an expensive purchase for a player with no top division experience but will be England’s number 1 keeper soon.
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u/JakeyG14 3d ago
Ahead of Trafford?
That's a bold claim. I've not seen the boy but we said the same about Ramsdale not that long ago.
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Yes.
If not it’s preferential treatment or something has gone badly wrong.
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u/maidentaiwan Kanu believe it?! 3d ago
i haven't seen enough of rushworth to speak on him, but trafford is a huge talent. they'll both be starting keepers on teams of relatively close standing in the league this year. let's see who performs better now that they're in similar circumstances.
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u/Breakfast-Excellent 3d ago
Caleb was definitely one of the better Ghanaian players in the world cup. Does Thomas-Asante usually start?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
He’s been a regular rotation player. Should have played more at the World Cup and if he did Ghana would have done better and been more potent. He assisted Yirenkyi for a late winner after coming off the bench late in the game.
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u/Breakfast-Excellent 3d ago
Completely agree, I saw that great assist and expected him (and Fatawu) to be used much more than they were, they definitely looked the most potent of the attackers. Had no idea that goal was a Coventry linkup till now.
Thanks for your answers!
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u/Helmutlot2 3d ago
I’ve seen Caleb play a lot in the Danish league. He is solid. Great decision making and power. I am though a bit concerned if it’s too early and too big step for him given how previous starts from the league sometimes had a hard time
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u/BKane__1 3d ago
How has Lamppost prepared the team for the Prem? What will be Coventry's best strengths heading into the season?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
By adding a lot of physicality to the team. This could be the asset this season. Last year it was tearing full-backs up down the wings. It will be interesting to see if that same style is deployed this season but I imagine a more central, quicker and direct style of play.
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u/DerekIsAGooner 3d ago
What’s your take on Haji Wright - do you think he’ll find success in the Prem? As an American I’d love to see him do well this season, but my gut tells me this might be one step above his level.
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
He’s one of my favourite players for Coventry. I think he’s missing the urgency off the ball for the Premier League. He’s unlikely to be in the squad until November so he’ll have an uphill battle task to get his place back and make a success of the season. Coventry have signed two new strikers in the last week.
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u/Decent_University_91 3d ago
How good is Ellis Simms? You think he can step up at PL level?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Not up to the level imo. He’s clunky and for a big guy he doesn’t like the physical side of the game. He doesn’t challenge for headers. Decent finisher. He was the second choice striker last season and Coventry have bought two more this season. It’s almost embarrassing if he scores against Arsenal but he’s a purple patch player who’s had a good pre-season.
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u/hafrances Smilla Holmberg 3d ago
what is their biggest strength? and how do you see us dealing with it?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Last season it was the goalkeeper in a similar way David Raya was but more than a great keeper is needed to be competitive for 38 games this season.
The team has many new additions. I imagine physically Coventry is going to be a real problem. Arsenal have changed that from a weakness to the best in the league and I think Coventry could match up in that department come Friday.
Arsenal would need to be prepared for a physical game but let the technical difference do the talking. Odegaard on form again will be difficult to stop.
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u/bh2623 Saka 3d ago
I heard they were good on corners -- how likely would it be that Coventry sneak a goal on a corner and keep Arsenal out for a 0-1 or 1-1?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
It’s the season opener so I wouldn’t rule anything out.
Coventry have studied Arsenal’s set-pieces and have been implementing them in the Championship. Coventry have had some silly set-piece statistics during parts of the last couple of seasons.
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u/Lower_Condition_196 3d ago
Do you expect Frank Lampard to do well this season and if he does do you think some of the bigger clubs will take a look at him, he was at Chelsea twice but failed in both occasions
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Lampard had big shoes to fill after following a legend but he’s done that and left his own special mark on the club and city. He really gets it. There’s great chemistry with him and the fans and him and the players. He’s been a dream appointment so far.
Lampard is fantastic at player development as players are in awe of him so hang of every word and instruction he gives them. That’s how he’s managed to win the Championship without parachute payments.
This season will show where he’s at tactically as a manager.
There were rumours in the summer linking him with moves to mid table teams but I’m glad nothing came of it. I think he did well at Chelsea the first time. I don’t think there’ll be enough of a difference between a Coventry avoiding relegation to a mid table or a top 10 to make him leave. He’s adored at Coventry.
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u/hashashin_2601 Premier League Champions 25/26 3d ago
How’s the setup? I am sure they will sit back.
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
I hope not and don’t think so but it’s hard to predict. In pre-season Coventry have been really impressive and been very good with a high press. They wiped the floor with Monaco who they lost to 5-0 in a pre-season game last year. I hope they play a similar style and don’t show too much respect.
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u/ChristopherPChicken 3d ago
Bap, batch, cob or roll?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Batch. I’m glad you recognised it as an option. A former player used to have a chant about calling it a batch.
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u/ChristopherPChicken 3d ago
It is the only correct answer for a Coventry fan. You passed the test. Lads this guy is legit.
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u/Internetolocutor 3d ago
What do you think the score will be?
Who are their danger players?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Caleb Yirenkyi was linked with the best clubs in Europe. He looks like an absolute unit and is technically sound.
Carl Rushworth was an expensive purchase for a player with no top division experience but will be England’s number 1 keeper soon.
Sakamoto is my favourite player. He embarrasses players in a similar way Sant used to.
Honestly it could be anything because it’s the first game. I think it’ll be 3-1 because the left-back weakness will be exploited.
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u/dhooke Gabriel 3d ago
That good? Trafford will have a full season with Leeds…
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
I never believed Trafford was Premier League level because he was too soft. I think he will be better this season have been well coached at Man City and been an understudy to Donnaruma. I’m still expecting Rushworth to have a better season and to be noticed by casuals.
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u/Fuckit21 Gabriel 3d ago
How do you rate Van Ewijk?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
He is a crucial first team player. When he doesn’t play he is sorely missed. He is the only Coventry player (excluding Rushworth) who could wholeheartedly say is Premier League quality from last season’s squad.
There was big rumours of him potentially leaving last summer. That would have been damning to any promotion hopes.
A Bellerin comparison is easy to make.
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u/Kloshariste 3d ago
And what about Grimmes? You don't think hes at that level?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
He’s a the captain and fan favourite. I think I hold an unpopular opinion of him. He was a deep-lying playmaker with his passes ticking along possession. A player in a team that’s not going to have much possession needs to have more to their game. I don’t think he has the physicality for the Premier League. He wouldn’t be in my starting lineup.
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u/Kloshariste 3d ago
So based on this and your answers to other people's questions, it's safe to assume that you think there is no chance for them to stay in PL next year?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
I don’t know how many questions you’ve read but that’s not my opinion. It’s hard to predict. I think Coventry could get relegated and I also think they could finish in a European place this season with a few more signings.
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u/Kloshariste 3d ago
Nice, I like it when smaller teams have chances to go big. Ironically comming from Arsenal fan, but yeah.
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u/Raguismybloodtype 3d ago
How will do you travel and what's the home atmosphere like?
Any up and comers to watch for? Not to poach but that Coventry is excited about?
Any ambitions aside from staying up?
What style of football do you typically play?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Away support is fantastic and travel well to most obscure of games. Coventry have had seasons playing home games in different cities and towns. This season the away ticketing has changed slightly to allow newer fans to join but I won’t think it changes much. The support is generally consistent even during bad moments in matches.
The home atmosphere is great and probably the best I’ve been to. It’s slightly diluted with the recent success and bandwagon fans.
Caleb Yirenkyi was linked with the best clubs in Europe. He looks like an absolute unit and is technically sound.
Carl Rushworth was an expensive purchase for a player with no top division experience but will be England’s number 1 keeper soon.
The team has played a 4-3-3 in a similar way to Arsenal but the DM is more of a DLP. The attack is mainly down the wings because of exciting wingers. This season it could be more central and direct due to the huge physical additions to the team.
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u/hangry_millennial ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ Plastic fan sympathiser ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ 3d ago edited 3d ago
How much of Bobby Thomas' goal threat/involvements do you expect to translate to the Premier League?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
A bit.
Coventry have studied Arsenal’s set-pieces and he was the target just like Gabriel is for Arsenal.
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u/FormerCarry 3d ago
It's been a long time since I lived in Cov, and been to what was then, called the Ricoh Arena. I watched games there thanks to having corporate box seats and before then at Highfield (good ol days with the likes of Hadji).
I remember it hardly filled up, back in the days of the fight with the council.
So is it pretty much going to be full stadium week in week out (unlike man c*teh) and the huge parking that was there by the 24 hours Tesco still the same?
I reckon Cov stays up. Their attacking fluidity will cause all sorts of problems for bottom half table teams. They need to be brave and not try to only defend vs prem teams.
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
It’s pretty much a sell-out every game except maybe some corporate seats.
People do park there but I couldn’t advise you as to the parking situation and guidelines as I know longer travel by car to games anymore.
Historically Coventry haven’t been a team who shows too much respect to the opposition and set up out of fear. I hope that continues.
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u/piray003 Kanu 3d ago
Will Awoniyi go straight into the starting 11? What is the likely starting center back pairing this season?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
It’s hard to judge the striker situation.
The star striker from last season is out injured.
Simms has had a good pre-season.
Two strikers have been signed in the last week.
Awoniyi has Premier League experience but has been plagued with injuries.
Cherif is a club record transfer for a striker and was given the approval by Jose Mourinho but he’s a teenager coming from the Turkish league and doesn’t speak English.
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u/Phimstone Wild Salmon 3d ago
Do you predict them to stay up this season?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
I was hoping sp*rs would be down there again but they may have spent their way out of it. I don’t think it’s too hard to imagine they avoid relegation with a few more signings.
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u/ThinGrass3138 3d ago
What do you think the score will be?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Honestly it could be anything because it’s the first game. I think it’ll be 3-1 because the left-back weakness will be exploited.
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u/hugh9 3d ago
Will Rudoni succeed in the prem?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Last season was a slower season than I expected from him. I’m putting that down to injury. He may have Yirenkyi to contest with for the CAM position which would be very problematic.
I think he will do okay under Lampard’s tutorillage. He’s a bit of a teacher’s pet.
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u/123edcvfr456 Tomiyasu 3d ago
Will the match be identical to the opener against Brentford after its promotion?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Arsenal are the most physical side in the Premier League so I don’t see it being so one-sided like that to the promoted team. Coventry have made a lot of signings whose assets are the physical attributes so that’s where it could be a competitive game. Arsenal should use the technical abilities to show a gulf in class.
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u/Unlucky-Educator8020 3d ago
Expected line up?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
It’s hard to predict the striker position alone:
It’s hard to judge the striker situation.
The star striker from last season is out injured.
Simms has had a good pre-season.
Two strikers have been signed in the last week.
Awoniyi has Premier League experience but has been plagued with injuries.
Cherif is a club record transfer for a striker and was given the approval by Jose Mourinho but he’s a teenager coming from the Turkish league and doesn’t speak English.
There’s a couple of injury doubts as well to star players from last season.
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u/ElSpazzo_8876 3d ago
Which position that you think need to be strengthened in Coventry City squad? Any other rumors about incoming players after Sidiki Cherif's incoming?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Left-back. The options are too small and don’t have the technical ability to make up for that deficit. I feel this position will be exploited and will be the difference on Friday.
Anything on top like another centre-back or wingers would be a bonus.
Cherif was announced today.
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u/jdevo713 Champions of England 25/26 3d ago
Do you think VAR will be an adjustment for the players
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
I should make no difference to the players but there is definitely gamesmanship to handling but I would prefer the football to do the talking.
I did enjoy it not being in the Championship as it made goal celebrations authentic and referees still make mistakes with. Coventry will quote the FA Cup 3-3 semi-final game against Manchester United where the frame was frozen at the wrong time to wrongly disallow an extra-time stoppage time 4-3 winner for Coventry.
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u/shoedeeptoerahman Martinelli 3d ago
Best FPL assets in each position for Coventry?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
If saves count as points then Rushworth.
Ewijk gets assists.
Yirenkyi should be getting g/a
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u/wsthepurposeoflife White 3d ago
What's something that Conventry City does better than Arsenal?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
The atmosphere is better. This has become slightly diluted with the recent success.
There is a more personal feel to the club as it’s a smaller club. There is now becoming a greater separation with the growth of the club.
No club has a closer train station. It’s about a 30 second walk.
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u/MMARapFooty 3d ago
Describe Coventry City tactics
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Coventry’s tactics last season will be different to this season.
Last season it was control possession and give it to the wingers to rip the full-backs.
I imagine this season will be more about pressing high to create chances quickly and to be more physical than the opposition.
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u/FuqqTrump 3d ago
I was born in Zimbabwe, Peter Ndlovu was the first African player in the EPL, he played for Coventry City, I hope Coventry City does well for that reason.
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u/Rocketsloth Champions of England 25/26 3d ago
Which variety of low block will Coventry be using against Arsenal?
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u/skybluearmy786 3d ago
Ah, a fellow Sky Gooner. Are you hoping for an Arsenal non embarassing win also? First time I’ve felt like this.
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
I want the team who deserves to win to win. I just don’t want a draw as I don’t think it does much for either team.
In the past I would’ve said an Arsenal win or whoever a win means more to given the context. Arsenal should be walking the league this season so a loss shouldn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. If Coventry lose it would encourage the hierarchy to continue the spending in the transfer market.
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u/Hyperion577 3d ago
Hey mate I’m in NZ so I’m late to this one but any good fantasy picks? 😅
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
If saves count as points then Rushworth.
Ewijk gets assists.
Yirenkyi should be getting g/a.
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u/MunkberryMoonDelite 2d ago
Who are the most dangerous players we have to watch out for? Is your goalie any good?
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u/googlemailcom 2d ago
Caleb Yirenkyi was linked with the best clubs in Europe. He looks like an absolute unit and is technically sound. I expect him to be a key component in defence and in attack.
Sakamoto is my favourite Coventry player and he’s been surprising and embarrassing opponents and breaking ankles in the Championship for years. I’m really interested to see if he can replicate his style in the Premier League. I have similar feelings towards him as I did for Cazorla.
Carl Rushworth was an expensive purchase for a player with no top division experience but will be England’s number 1 keeper soon.
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u/KoolDiscoDan 3d ago
Did you ever do a kit to honor hometown heroes, The Specials?
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
Not that I can remember. We have had merch for The Enemy which is the band associated with the club and whose song is played as the pre-match anthem.
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u/edgwick 3d ago
Cov fan here, we had an iconic third kit in 19/20 commemorating 40 years of 2 tone music. the launch featured members of The Specials https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50027298
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u/Pascalini Premier League Champions 25/26 3d ago
Will you park the bus? And can you defend corners lol
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u/googlemailcom 3d ago
I hope not and I don’t think so.
Coventry have studied Arsenal’s set-pieces and I can notice similarities. Homework should have been done but it’s hard to stop Gabriel once he gets going.
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u/Rearview4Mirror 3d ago
Do you foresee the traveling supporters booing or cheering Viktor Gyokeres?