Lampard Confirms Awoniyi in Contention for Arsenal Clash
Taiwo Awoniyi is in contention to make his competitive debut for Coventry City when they face reigning Premier League champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, manager Frank Lampard has confirmed.
The Nigerian striker joined the newly promoted Sky Blues from Nottingham Forest for a reported £9 million as Coventry strengthened their attack ahead of their first Premier League campaign since 2001.
Awoniyi could provide an important attacking option following the injury to Haji Wright, who will miss the Arsenal game and could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks with a serious quad injury.
Awoniyi has a strong scoring record against Arsenal, having netted three goals in six Premier League appearances against the Gunners.
His record against them also includes one victory, one defeat and four draws. One of those goals came in the opening match of the 2023/24 Premier League season when he scored in the 82nd minute for Nottingham Forest after Arsenal had established a two-goal lead through Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka.
The Nigerian has scored more Premier League goals against only Chelsea, against whom he has four goals in six appearances.
Lampard confirmed that both Awoniyi and teenage striker Sidiki Cherif, who has joined Coventry from Fenerbahce on a long-term deal, are available for selection.
‘They’re in contention for Arsenal,’ Lampard said.
While Awoniyi and Cherif provide Lampard with additional attacking options, the Coventry manager confirmed that Wright’s injury represents a significant setback.
