Frank Lampard's honest conversation which helped lead to...

Both Ellis Simms and Brandon Thomas-Asante, two Coventry City strikers, were instrumental in the team’s victory

over Bristol City on Saturday.

According to Frank Lampard, Coventry City’s 1-0 victory over Bristol City on Saturday was another positive step

towards his long-term goals for his team. Brandon Thomas-Asante scored a spectacular goal in the second half

against the Robins to snap his 18-match goal drought, securing another victory at home under Lampard and

extending their winning streak to seven games at the CBS Arena.

The two caused problems for the Bristol defence when Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms lined up in attack. During

the first hour or so, both forwards had several opportunities that were frustratingly missed, but summer acquisition

Thomas-Asante made no mistake from one of the more challenging ones.

Together with fellow forward Norman Bassette, Lampard made it apparent during the week that City hasn’t scored

enough goals with their strikers since his arrival. He has spoken with them and challenged them to increase their

productivity. There were unmistakable indications of that here, but it is obvious that things may still be improved for

everyone.

“There’s lots to improve, but there’s some nice things that we’re seeing,” Lampard stated. “You have to maximise the

hold-up and connecting when you have two strikers like Ellis and Brandon. In many ways, it was undoubtedly a start

in the right direction, but I would argue there are still a lot of steps to do.

It’s just the work for me. Our strikers, Brandon, Ellis, and Norman, haven’t scored enough goals. I put some pressure

on them this week because, in my opinion, good things will happen if they put in the effort, pay attention to what we

want of them, and take good care of the balls that come into them. They should also compete and run channels.

Every time they play, they must do it.

“When they begin to look more confident, it’s because of the work. I’m really pleased and hopefully they can continue

with that way, because in games like today which are close, you need a moment from Brandon, or Ellis. That’ll always

be the way.

“I thought Ellis was excellent. He’s been a pleasant talking partner. Although he is only 24 years old, he is a good kid

and not as old as you might imagine. He has all the qualities, and it’s about making the most of them. I had the same

feeling; his playing style seems to be drawing him closer to the times when goals will fall for him.

Lampard said that he hasn’t really spoken to the player about the transfer rumours that Thomas-Asante would be

leaving the team this week. Both Tuesday night’s opponents, Blackburn Rovers and Mark Robins’ Stoke City, were

said to have expressed interest in Thomas-Asante, who only came from West Brom in the summer.

According to Lampard, “I haven’t spoken to him about it,” “I don’t want to discuss it with him! It’s all good; he just

went and played. He plays for us. I keep hearing that he’s struggled here. He hasn’t played as much since I’ve been

here, especially where he wants to play, but in the three games he has played, I’ve seen a lot of things from him that I

appreciate.

“If there is any truth to it, it’s better that your guys be interested than not. It indicates that they are performing at a

certain level. I’m accustomed to it. If the player interprets it correctly, it’s a positive thing regardless of whether there

are rumours or the truth. Well, I’ll display it once a week if someone wants me to. I’m going to prove it every week if I

want to stay at this club. The remainder will come later.

Frank Lampard’s honest conversation which helped lead to Coventry City ‘moment’