Awoniyi gets backlash after big City miss

Former Coventry midfielder Don Hutchison has criticised Taiwo Awoniyi for spurning a glorious chance in Coventry City’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Awoniyi, who joined Coventry during the summer transfer window after struggling for regular playing time at Nottingham Forest, was played through on goal in the first half after a loose pass from Antoine Semenyo, but skewed his effort wide of the target.

Hutchison, on commentary duty for the Premier League, said the Nigeria international should have done better with the opportunity.

“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?

“That is a big chance and one he should be taking,” he said.

Awoniyi was substituted in the second half for Ellis Simms as Coventry pushed for an equaliser. The miss proved costly as Manchester City secured the win through a first-half header from Erling Haaland, who rose to meet a cross from Semenyo after a slide-rule pass from debutant Enzo Fernandez.

Haaland, who could have had a hat-trick, saw a thumping effort saved by visiting goalkeeper Carl Rushworth and had a second-half strike ruled out for offside.

Coventry goalkeeper Rushworth was called into action throughout, while at the other end, Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Jack Rudoni and Loum Tchaouna with fine saves before also keeping out substitute Simms late on.

The defeat leaves Coventry without a point after three Premier League games this season, while Manchester City maintained their perfect start under manager Enzo Maresca. Awoniyi will be keen to make amends when Coventry return to action in their next fixture.