Nottingham Forest suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Coventry City at the City Ground, with Jay Dasilva scoring the only goal of the match to secure the Sky Blues’ first Premier League victory of the season.
The result ended a difficult run for Coventry, who had previously lost all four of their opening top-flight fixtures without finding the net.
Defeats came against Arsenal, Hull, Manchester City and Brighton, with the club conceding ten goals across those matches.
Their heaviest loss was a 5-0 home reverse against Brighton the previous weekend.
Coventry’s preparations were complicated by injuries and suspensions.
Centre-back Aurele Amenda was ruled out after sustaining what appeared to be a serious calf tear during the midweek cup defeat to Aston Villa, while striker Taiwo Awoniyi, a former Forest favourite, was serving the second match of a three-game suspension following a straight red card against Albion the previous Sunday.
Frank Lampard, the Coventry head coach, also confirmed prior to kick-off that right-back Milan van Ewijk was absent due to a small hamstring problem, with a return anticipated after the international break.
A scan on Amenda had revealed a significant calf tear, ruling the summer signing out for an extended period.
Stephen Mfuni was called upon to deputise at right-back in a back four, while Caleb Yirenkyi and Brandon Thomas-Asante were also brought into the starting line-up to replace Amenda and Awoniyi.
The match at a warm and windy City Ground began with Forest on the front foot, James McAtee registering the first effort on target in the opening minute with a powerful half-volley that was comfortably gathered by Rushworth.
Coventry responded positively, with Thomas-Asante testing the goalkeeper after being played in by Mason-Clark, though his low snap shot was saved down to the keeper’s left.
Coventry set up in a back three featuring Mfuni on the right, Thomas in the centre and Pinnock on the left, with Yirenkyi and Dasilva operating as wing-backs.
EMC made a run into the box and laid the ball back for Rudoni, who fired a first-time effort high over the crossbar.
Forest’s Dan Ndoye curled an attempt wide of the far post, while McAtee drove a powerful strike towards the near post that Rushworth covered.
At the other end, Rudoni played Mason-Clark in behind the defence, but the resulting shot was saved and an offside flag had already been raised.
Thomas-Asante’s attempted clearance ricocheted off a Forest player into the path of Liam Delap, who found space for a shot but placed it into the side netting.
The first half ended goalless, with Coventry having edged possession at 55 per cent.
Both sides registered five shots, with Forest managing two on target compared to Coventry’s one.
Loum Tchaouna replaced Maso-Clark at the start of the second half.
Forest pushed for an opener, but Ethan Pinnock threw his body in the way of a powerful McAtee strike to block the first of two consecutive corners, both of which Coventry defended resiliently.
The decisive moment arrived when goalkeeper Rushworth launched a long diagonal kick towards Dasilva on the left flank.
The wing-back brought the ball under control with his first touch, advanced towards goal and calmly slotted a left-footed finish past Sels from a tight angle.
The strike was Dasilva’s first goal for the club and Coventry’s first in the Premier League this season.
Coventry were forced to weather further pressure, including a disallowed effort when Jesus was penalised by VAR for treading on Yirenkyi’s foot, and a near-miss when Jesus chipped Rushworth only for Thomas to hook the ball away off the line.
Ellis Simms was introduced from the bench in place of Rudoni as the Sky Blues absorbed late corners before the final whistle confirmed an away win.
The encounter also carried personal significance for Lampard, who had previously managed Derby County in 2019 when Delap, now 23, was a 16-year-old at the club.
Delap was sold to Manchester City the following January, midway through Lampard’s only season in charge at Pride Park.
The Coventry manager revealed that he had attempted to use his contacts at Chelsea to bring Delap to the CBS Arena during the summer transfer window, though the striker ultimately joined Forest for a reported £50million.
Delap had scored his first goal for Forest the previous week.
The victory provided a significant lift for Coventry after their winless start to the campaign, while Forest were left to reflect on a missed opportunity at home.