Chelsea legend Frank Lampard scripted history on Wednesday after guiding Coventry City to a record-breaking start to their Championship campaign. Under Lampard's tutelage this season, the Sky Blues have remained unbeaten in their first 11 matches, a feat that has been achieved for the first time in the club's history. Coventry now lead Middlesbrough by four points at the top of the table.
Coventry City's historic start in the 2025-26 campaign
Coventry kicked off the 2025-26 campaign with a draw against Hull City before going on to register back-to-back wins against Derby County and QPR as they scored a whopping 12 goals in those two matches. They then drew their next three matches, before their latest five-match streak began on September 27 against Birmingham City. On Wednesday, the club beat Portsmouth 2-1, riding on Brandon Thomas-Asante's brace. With seven wins and four draws, the Sky Blues have already secured 25 points from their first 11 league matches, the best start the club has ever experienced.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLampard clashed with opposition coach
While the Chelsea legend was thrilled after overseeing yet another victory over Portsmouth, he also lashed out at the opponent manager, John Mousinho for his on-field behaviour. The two coaches were spotted exchanging words and having to be separated in a heated touchline row following full-time.
Lampard later shared his take on the incident after the game, telling reporters, "I haven't seen it again. I didn't think it was one at the time. I think it is a stadium where the crowd can put pressure on the referee and I don't think added pressure on the fourth official was necessary."
Explaining the incident, Mousinho shared his statement as he added: "It looks a clear penalty to me. The ball strikes his arm way outside of the body. I spoke to the referee and he wasn't looking at the incident – he was looking at the box – but I still expect someone from the officiating team to pick it up. I was trying to speak to the fourth official about it but I couldn't do it. But there is no needle with Lampard. I just spoke to him there and my main problem is with the officiating team for not dealing with it differently. It is a disappointing result, but I think it was a fair result overall. We got ourselves back into the game too little, too late."
Lampard praised Coventry's performance
Overall, the former England midfielder was satisfied with the performance of his side as they continued to remain unbeaten in the Championship. Lampard told reporters, "I thought we played well. To come here and look as powerful and dangerous in front of goal, and we could have scored one or two more, was good. People will get excited, and that ramps up when you win games but our job is to stay on it and stay diligent. We are happy with the start to the season with the performances and results, but we know what this league does if you relax."
The manager also heaped praise on the star of the game, Thomas-Asante, as he added: "From day one of pre-season, he has been amazing. He's been fit, hungry and fresh. For us as staff to have someone who moves from left side to right side to number 10 to number nine, gives us everything. Then you add his talent and his confidence at the moment and he deserves a lot of credit. All he needs to do now is stay humble and keep doing it. We need the talent he is showing at the moment to continue."
Getty Images SportCoventry aim to extend their unbeaten streak
Lampard failed to secure a promotion to the Premier League last season, despite guiding the team to a fifth-place finish after taking charge of the club in November last year. However, Sky Blues were eliminated from the play-off after losing against Sunderland in the semi-final. This time, though, the 47-year-old is determined to finish at the top of the table and secure a direct promotion to the top-flight. For now, Coventry's immediate goal is to continue their unbeaten streak and they next face Watford in the Championship on Saturday.