Peterborough United 1-4 Coventry City

Coventry snap the recent struggles and blew off some rust with a strong away performance against the Posh. With 2 goals inside 25 minutes and 22 total shots, Coventry were clearly the aggressors supported by a high press that created a lot of opportunities. Though the conversion rate for Coventry needs to improve.

Early on, and in theory, the 4-4(diamond)-2 could work for Posh given the balance centrally with a 4v4. However, O'Hare between the midfield and defensive lines would support Godden in pinning the 4 deep. The width from Shipley and Kane would be the undoing of this shape for Posh.

The first goal for Coventry came from exactly that. Sheaf with a quick switch to Shipley allowed him to combine with O'Hare. You don't see it, but O'Hare receiving the ball behind the midfield line pins Posh deep. The result is space after a layoff to Hamer for a shot. 1-0.

Though Coventry found a lot of success with width, both Kane and Shipley had 70% pass success rates - the lowest in the team. Though this was Shipley's first appearance of the season in the Championship, any opportunity like you see here should result in greed and a direct attack. Instead, he tried a cut back that was picked up by Posh. Seconds later Posh counter win a throw-in level with the Coventry 18 yard box. Coventry had 22 shots in the game, with just 9 on target, and countless other opportunities like this that should have killed the game off way before halftime.

Importantly, failure for Coventry to score and capitalize on sustained pressure always gives the opponent a chance and Posh set up for just this scenario. Here, after O'Hare had his shot blocked on the penalty spot, Posh counter and, after Dembele and Grant combine to release Szmodics. His pass finds the oncoming Taylor who is pressured enough by Shipley to miscue his shot for an easy gather by Wilson. With just 60 passes in the final third, Posh were clearly set up for these opportunities.

Yet, the press was successful as Posh attempted to play through Coventry. The second goal came from Mumba receiving the ball on halfway, and Allen pressuring. Posh are set up to recycle possession but the young loaneee from Norwich couldn't let go of the ball soon enough. Sheaf then took over and here you see how he pinned him deep. Once he won the ball, he released a confident Godden to make it 2-0.

Oggy talked in the pregame about the need to score early, or at least stop conceding early. Coventry succeeded in this game. The early goals covered for the misses and exposed the Posh shape very well.

After the second goal Posh adjusted their formation to match up with Coventry. Note the 9 behind the ball for Coventry.