Awoniyi faces backlash after costly miss against Manchester City

Taiwo Awoniyi’s missed chance became a major talking point after Coventry City lost 1-0 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Awoniyi, who joined Coventry during the summer after struggling for regular playing time at Nottingham Forest, was sent through in the first half following a loose pass from Antoine Semenyo. He skewed his effort wide of the target, prompting criticism from former Coventry midfielder Don Hutchison, who was working as a Premier League commentator.

“That is a shame, because his run was fantastic. Once he gets away, you think, can he pick a corner, has he got the composure? Can he go round the goalkeeper or dink it over him?” Hutchison said. “That is a big chance and one he should be taking.”

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That is a shame, because his run was fantastic. Once he gets away, you think, can he pick a corner, has he got the composure? Can he go round the goalkeeper or dink it over him?

Awoniyi was replaced in the second half by Ellis Simms as Coventry searched for an equaliser. The miss proved costly when Manchester City took the lead through Erling Haaland, who headed in a cross from Semenyo after a pass from debutant Enzo Fernandez.

Haaland came close to adding more. Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth saved a powerful effort, while a second-half strike was ruled out for offside. Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also denied Jack Rudoni, Loum Tchaouna and substitute Simms as Coventry pressed for a way back.

The result left Coventry without a point from its first three Premier League matches. Manchester City, meanwhile, maintained its perfect start under manager Enzo Maresca. Awoniyi will have an opportunity to respond when Coventry play their next fixture.

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That is a big chance and one he should be taking.