Oscar Bobb’s late goal made it back-to-back Premier League wins for Fulham as they claimed victory at Coventry City.
In a game which otherwise lacked quality, Bobb weaved past a defender in a crowded penalty area before whipping an excellent strike into the bottom corner to score the game’s only goal.
In the first half, it was Fulham’s Josh King who came closest to delivering an opener when he sent an effort crashing off the crossbar. The rebound then fell to Alex Iwobi but he was unable to convert from close range.
For Coventry, the bulk of their most threatening moments came when Brandon Thomas-Asante led counter-attacks, but they were unable to find an end product.
Fulham had claims for a penalty rejected shortly before the break as Calvin Bassey was judged to have tugged his opponent’s shirt before being dragged down by Thomas-Asante in the box.
Coventry were dealt a blow when defender Bobby Thomas, a shining light this season in a backline which has come up against difficult tests, was forced off with an injury in the 60th minute.
They continued to absorb pressure and search for chances on the break, but were unable find a way to open the scoring despite making some dangerous, quick moves.
A first away league win in nine matches moves Fulham up to 12th in the table on eight points, two above Coventry. The Sky Blues are 19th.
Coventry analysis: Familiar problems for toothless Sky Blues
It is early in the season, but Saturday’s defeat and Coventry’s next match against bottom club Sunderland could likely prove to be a barometer for how strong Frank Lampard’s side are.
They endured a tough start to life back in the top flight but picked up back-to-back victories before being beaten 3-1 by Tottenham on Monday in a match where the scoreline was arguably harsh.
Coventry’s issues this season clearly lie in front of goal, with four of their six so far having come in their win against Newcastle. They only generated 0.5 expected goals (xG) against Fulham.
On Saturday, they once again failed to score in the first half – something they have done in seven of their eight league games this term.
While their counter-attacking style produced some moments of promise, the lack of a clinical edge left them unable to make it count and vulnerable to being punished.
In particular, they had a sustained period of chances in the second half where they subjected Fulham to continuous waves of attacks but none produced anything of note.
Defeat leaves them just one place off the bottom of the table.
