FRANK Lampard believes Coventry City’s bolstered bench has made a ‘big difference’ to the competitiveness of his squad following a hard-fought win against Millwall.
Lampard deployed his bench to great effect against the Lions as two of his substitutes played a big part in his side’s winning goal at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The Sky Blues boss made a triple change with the game in the balance at one apiece before subs Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Brandon Thomas-Asante combined to tee up Haji Wright for Coventry’s winner.
And Lampard feels the January arrivals of Romain Esse, who scored his side’s opener against Millwall, and Yang Min-hyeok has increased the hunger of players coming onto the pitch from the bench.
Lampard said: “They made it a tough game for us but I think we deserved to win.
“We had a lot of possession and the better chances but there was an understanding that they’re always a threat and we had to deal with that.
“It was good from us, great spirit and good quality at the right times. It’s a big win for us.
“Credit to the squad because it shows how well we’ve done in the first half of the season.
“Players are coming on with hunger, it’s a big difference for us and it has to continue.”
Haji Wright scored the winner on 78 minutes with a powerful finish from 12-yards out after Mihailo Ivanovic drew Millwall level just before the half-hour mark.
That came after Esse put Coventry ahead on 11 minutes after he forced the ball over the line from close range to score his first Sky Blues goal against his former club.
And Lampard hopes he can help on-loan winger Esse improve his end product during his time with the Sky Blues.
Lampard added: “Sometimes that’s fate. He came through at Millwall and has moved on, he’s with us now.
“It’s not easy when you come in to hit the ground running.
“We can see he’s got talent, that’s for sure but we can help him get that real end product.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as being in there, being on the scene and being in the areas you need to be.
“And he has to be at the back post for Eprhon [Mason-Clark’s] cross and he gets his goal so I’m delighted for him.”
Coventry are next in action against Norwich City on Monday, January 26 with kick-off at 8pm at Carrow Road.
