Coventry City underlined their status as Championship leaders with a ruthless 3-0 victory over an out-of-form Preston North End that moved them eight points clear at the top of the table. Goals from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Brandon Thomas-Asante and captain Matt Grimes extended the Sky Blues' winning streak to six league matches and left their visitors nursing a third straight defeat.
With nearest challengers Middlesbrough losing at home to Charlton, Frank Lampard's side also opened up a nine-point cushion over third-placed Millwall, prompting home supporters to chant that they were going to win the league. On the night, Coventry's 23rd victory of the campaign, built on aggressive counter-pressing and a constant attacking threat, only reinforced that impression, while Preston's run of just one win in 11 league games continued.
Deflected Sakamoto strike rewards Coventry's fast start
Coventry set the tone from the opening exchanges, pressing high and pinning Preston back inside their own half. Returning Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, making his first start since mid-January after a groin injury, was quickly called into action when Frank Onyeka met a loose ball with a sweetly struck volley that the Dane had to tip over the bar.