Coventry City moved out of the Premier League relegation zone with a convincing 4-1 win over Newcastle at the CBS Arena, securing their first home victory of the season.
The result made it back-to-back league victories for Frank Lampard’s side, who took control with goals from Jack Rudoni, Sidiki Cherif, Ellis Simms and Stephen Mfuni.
Newcastle had briefly threatened a comeback after Sven Botman scored a spectacular long-range goal to make it 2-1 in the 70th minute. But Coventry restored their two-goal advantage through substitute Simms 11 minutes later before another substitute, Mfuni, completed the scoring.
The visitors suffered a second successive 4-1 defeat away from home and endured a disastrous start. Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek brought down summer signing Cherif inside the area, allowing Rudoni to convert from the penalty spot in the sixth minute.
Newcastle responded positively to conceding but were unable to make their chances count. Matias Fernandez-Pardo missed two significant opportunities, including a one-on-one effort that Bobby Thomas cleared off the line.
Coventry doubled their advantage shortly after half-time. Cherif, 19, collected the ball just outside the penalty area and drove a powerful low shot into the net in the 48th minute to score his first goal for the club.
Botman’s response was arguably even more impressive. The Newcastle defender found the top corner with a fierce strike from distance, giving the visitors renewed hope.
That revival lasted only 11 minutes. Simms’ effort took a deflection on its way into the net, restoring Coventry’s two-goal lead and putting the hosts in command once again.
Mfuni, an 18-year-old summer signing who joined Coventry on loan from Manchester City, then marked his senior debut goal with a fine finish in the 86th minute.
Coventry will attempt to extend their winning run to three matches when they travel to face winless Tottenham next Monday, live on Sky Sports.
Newcastle will look to recover when they host Aston Villa on Saturday, with that match also live on Sky Sports.
