Defeat at Ipswich and a 1-1 draw at Preston North End in early December did not cause undue alarm for Coventry, especially with back-to-back home wins against Bristol City and Swansea City to follow.<\/p>\n
But another loss to the Tractor Boys – their first at home of the season and first without a home goal since the opening day – hinted at trouble.<\/p>\n
With Thomas-Asante out injured, the goals dried up and so did the clean sheets as the Sky Blues lost their way, particularly away from the sanctuary of the CBS Arena.<\/p>\n
Seven games without a win on the road followed as fans became fractious, worried sides had finally worked them out. <\/p>\n
But it takes more than just a loss of form to turn a blip into a slide. You need a rival to step up and crank up the pressure. <\/p>\n
Step forward Middlesbrough, who turned the heat up on Coventry to boiling point with a superb run of six wins in a row at the start of 2026 as the Sky Blues’ double-digit lead was wiped out.<\/p>\n
By the time the two promotion rivals met on 16 February, Boro were two points clear at the top – and Coventry had lost four of their previous eight games.<\/p>\n
In the Championship’s statement fixture, the Sky Blues’ 3-0 win<\/a> – with Wright bagging a hat-trick – made theirs loud and clear. <\/p>\n Their swagger and confidence restored, Coventry’s relentlessness returned and this time they never looked back.<\/p>\n Five more victories followed on the spin as they cruised into the Easter programme nine points clear at the top again with Premier League vibes well and truly back.<\/p>\n