Frank Lampard and Coventry
Frank Lampard needs to have a smile, for he has done something special for Coventry Football Club.
Coventry is known for a rebuild. A city bombed into ruins in the 1940s, they built it back to become known as the Detroit of Britain, on the back of being the spiritual home of Jaguar.
Well, they have done the same in football now. After 25 years away from the top flight, Coventry are back at the high table of English football.
Coventry‘ football rebuild is the real deal. They have endured all sorts of troubles , including a spell in the fourth tier, administration and problems surrounding their home ground. It is a remarkable story and the Chelsea legend who carried them over the line last year deserves all the praise.
Yes, Lampard does need to smile more.
But then, on the opening day of the league, you would not hold it against him for wearing a grim face. They were up against the defending champions, and that is never a good game to start a season. More so when you have just arrived at the table.
In the end, Arsenal cantered to a 3-0 win. They looked effortless on the field. Their hallmark off-the-ball patterns were perfect. The shape of the team on the field was simple and consistent. The back line hardly broke a sweat, and the midfield was always in control. The forward line was busy, and Arsenal had enough cushion to give minutes to many from the bench.
Coventry were good, but the chasm between them and the champions was evident. The players might have realised early that they were up against some really smooth operators. It will take some time for them to find their feet, which they eventually, and hopefully, will. They are a bunch of fighters, and Lampard knows there are a few more levels to go up if they are to remain at the high table. They have few new signings like Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest and Aurele Amenda signed from Eintracht Frankfurt who should lend more stability to the League’s newcomers.
For the Gunners, Martin Ødegaard was at his best. He orchestrated the whole show as Coventry left gaps in the middle of the park and paid for it. Christos Tzolis on the left was a revelation, and Myles Lewis-Skelly continued to look good. Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz scored and almost everyone looked raring to go.
What the first game says
Arsenal are looking solid and assured. While almost all the other possible contenders have a new manager and some new players, Arsenal have continuity. They have added Bruno Guimarães and Ezri Konsa to the line-up. An already strong squad just got stronger. It is almost like they have two starting line-ups of the same quality.
It will take some effort for the others to keep pace. Arsenal surely look like favourites to retain the League, and it will take some chasing for the other clubs.
It is just the first day, and a long season waits ahead. Anything is possible, and that is what makes the Premier League what it is.
Frank Lampard will hopefully give up his forlorn expression and smile. It could be against Hull City next week.
Please don’t wait for the next week Frank, come on, give us a smile.
