Sky Blues striker Martyn Waghorn reflected on what he described as a ‘huge’ three points, after City beat Sheffield United 1-0.
City’s number nine came off the bench to take an all important penalty, which helped fire the Sky Blues to their second victory on the spin.
It was the striker’s first goal since Middlesbrough last season and he was delighted to have the opportunity and reflected on his time at the club so far.
Waghorn also looked ahead to the upcoming fixtures, the performance against Sheffield United and why he is focusing on helping the Sky Blues on and off the pitch:
Looking back at the victory…
“Huge. Back-to-back wins in this league is massive as well, but most importantly winning at home and building on what we did last week at Cardiff, it was really important that we used it as a platform to go on because it was a very solid performance there.
“To come here, against a top, top team and come away with the three points is massive especially heading into the run of games we have.
“It felt like both sides didn’t want to lose the game which is understandable. Sheffield United are in a little spell in the league and they might have wanted to just get through the game and rely on their quality up top.
“So, it was going to be tight and we always knew it was going to be close but thankfully we got the opportunity to win the game and thankfully it came round.”
On a potential red card for the opponents…
“I jumped straight up and tried my best to get in the fourth officials’ ear.” Waghorn joked.
“On reflection I wasn’t really looking at it that closely, you just watch the break and then you see Dabs (Fankaty Dabo) down and I think maybe on another day you get a referee that gives it.
“But, if the shoe was on the other foot, you’d take the yellow, but who knows, I haven’t looked back at it yet.”
Instructions when coming onto the pitch…
“We needed to get some control of the game in the middle of the park, we were going a little direct and Vik and Godders were battling so well, and you could se their work rate and they worked so hard for the team.
“I tried to bring a little bit of calmness, link things up and bring some calmness in the game because they were starting to dominate a little going forward.
“I just needed to use some experience and calm the game down and just kill things a bit.”
On taking the penalty…
“We got on the break and Kasey had a good opportunity bursting into the box and that could have been a penalty, but I think his touch may have been taking him away too far, but then Viktor does what he does.
“He runs at defenders and drives at them and creates the penalty and then I think the penalty was good one from me.
“I was 100% taking it. I’ve taken big penalties my whole career at big times of games and sometimes you miss them, sometimes you score them and tonight I just knew.
“I’ve not scored nowhere as many goals as I would have liked and not contributed nowhere near as much and it was a big time to step up and take the penalty.
“You just have to pick your spot and try not to over think it or over complicate it and you’re your ability and be true to it and thankfully it went in.”
His winning goal earning the three points…
“I’m just delighted for all the lads who worked so hard.
“We’ve had a very difficult start to the season playing catch up and things have gone against us, and I’ve had to be patient and keep working hard and see where things go.
“But, I just have to be ready to step up and be counted for when I need to and we will see where that goes and it was just a big three points.”
On the injury that forced him off…
“It’s not too bad. Straight after the goal the ball fell down in the middle of the park and I think I’ve just overstretched a little bit.
“It’s a tight hamstring but hopefully I should be ok, I’ll get it assessed tomorrow and I don’t know the outcome at the moment, but it doesn’t feel too bad.”
A big run of fixtures coming up…
“We’ve got a very competitive squad and you’ve got Callum (O’Hare) and Kells (Liam Kelly) getting minutes yesterday and today Gus has come back, and it just gives you a bit of flexibility.
“There’s a lot of games coming up and everyone is going to be called upon at some point and this is where the squad depth and how competitive we are comes in. “
Reflecting on his time at Coventry…
“I want to play every minute of every game. It’s difficult because throughout my career I’ve wanted to work hard and do the best for my team and win games.
“It’s been difficult at times, I’ve been in and out and last season I missed some games with Covid and injuries, but it’s just about being patient and setting the standard for yourself.
“Don’t get me wrong I’ve had times where it’s been frustrating and I’ve been struggling to keep those high standards but this season it isn’t about that it’s about how you can get the best out of yourself and help the team and drive forward.
“I’ve been round the game long enough to know when the team is doing well and players are scoring you just have to bide your time and when it comes you have to take it.”