Frank Lampard puts rivalry aside as he gives his honest opinion on Leeds United after Coventry City loss

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It speaks volumes about the relationship between Leeds United and Frank Lampard that the bragging rights almost felt more enjoyable than the three points following Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Coventry City.

Almost.

Honoured with a full-blooded rendition of Noel Gallagher’s finest lyrics, complete with a customised Leeds United twist, Frank Lampard could not resist embracing the role of pantomime villain again as he renewed acquaintances with his old rivals six years on from ‘Spygate’ and that play-off semi-final ding dong.

This time, as you might have guessed given the mocking from the away end, it was Leeds who would have the last laugh.

But while Lampard let frustration get the better of him in the white-hot heat of defeat – cupping an ear to the away fans loses it’s lustre when you’ve just been beaten at home, really – the former Derby County boss was nothing if gracious in a surprisingly mellow post-match presser.

Leeds saw off Coventry thanks to Joel Piroe and Jayden Bogle, both scoring inside the first 26 minutes, while Illan Meslier pulled off a ‘world-class’ save to kill off any hopes of a second-half fightback.

Frank Lampard praises Leeds United after Coventry City win

“They’re a really good team and they’re top of the league for a reason. They have a lot of threats, and we knew that,” Lampard accepts, Coventry losing after a run of four straight Championship wins had catapulted them into play-off contention.

“They’re a good team and there are things we could’ve done better that’s for sure. It was a tough night, but those nights do come, and we have to make sure it doesn’t stop our positive momentum.”

Lampard’s major frustration was that he felt Coventry showed too much respect to their visitors, Leeds 2-0 up while barely needing to stray out of second gear.

“We were probably a little bit respectful, and we couldn’t really get up to them as much as we wanted to. We gave them a bit of control and then the goals are obviously disappointing,” the Chelsea legend adds.

“That was tough, and it was a difficult match. We were better in the second-half in big parts but, obviously, they still create because of their threat when we’re trying to push.

“We played the best team in the league as it stands.”

Leeds’ ‘quality and speed’ to much for Coventry

Piroe’s opener came after Ilia Gruev forced a turnover in the centre of the park. And, with Coventry attempting to play out, Leeds’ number ten had all the time in the world to finish after being found by a Manor Solomon flick.

Bogle’s fourth goal of the league season, meanwhile, was as much inspired as it was calamitous. A surging run from deep followed by a finish gifted to him by goalkeeper Oliver Dovin.

“The first one can happen. We’re trying to play and then obviously the spaces are different when you give it away and they hurt you straight away,” Lampard sighs. “And the second one is a mistake.

 “They are a strong team and they deserved to win the game. Sometimes, you just have to accept that. They’re top of the league for a reason, they have a lot of players with quality and speed and we saw and felt it.”