Coventry's Bobby Thomas: A Great Starting Point After Manchester City Defeat

Coventry defender Bobby Thomas believes Saturday’s narrow defeat at Manchester City can be the launchpad for their Premier League season, calling the 1-0 loss “a great starting point” for Frank Lampard’s side.

The newly promoted Sky Blues arrived at the Etihad with two defeats from two – beaten at Arsenal on the opening weekend and then at home by Hull City – and left still without a point. But this time, they left with something else: conviction.

“We approached the game differently and had a better gameplan,” Thomas told BBC CWR. “We executed it really well and were unfortunate not to come away with a point.”

Coventry adjusted shape and mentality against the champions. The change was obvious from the stands and on the pitch.

“You can see the formation change yourselves and we were more diligent in the roles everyone took on during the game,” Thomas said. “We approached it a lot better.”

For Lampard, it was the clearest sign yet that his ideas are beginning to take hold. For the players, it was proof they can stand up to the league’s elite, even if the table currently makes for grim reading.

“Three games, zero points is not great but this was a great starting point,” Thomas admitted. “We can kick on and start getting some points from now.”

The fixture list has been unforgiving. Arsenal away. Manchester City away. A newly promoted side thrown straight into the deep end.

“We've had Arsenal and Manchester City away, which has been a challenge, but we have to relish it and really take on these teams,” Thomas said.

There was no hint of self-pity in his assessment. Only a demand.

“We can't come to any places and be timid and not give 100%,” he insisted. “We have to be all-in on everything we are doing.”

That attitude now has to translate into results. Hull at home hurt. The performance at City soothed some of that sting. The next step is obvious.

“We need to get after it and start getting some points now,” Thomas said.

Coventry have their benchmark. The question is how quickly they can turn brave showings into a Premier League foothold.