Coventry City defeats West Bromwich Albion and extends lead in Championship

In Wednesday's EFL Championship matches, leaders Coventry City secured an important away victory, defeating West Bromwich Albion 2-0 at The Hawthorns. Goals were scored by Ephron Mason-Clark in the 5th minute and Jack Rudoni in the 32nd minute. This was Coventry's first away win since November 25th of last year. This victory gained additional significance after their direct rival for the title, Middlesbrough, wasted a chance to reduce the deficit. The team led by Swede Kim Hellberg drew 0-0 at home against Oxford United, who occupy second-to-last place in the table. Oxford defended resolutely, and Middlesbrough, still reeling from Monday's defeat at Coventry, failed to break down the opponent's defense. Oxford United even came close to winning when Stanley Mills hit the crossbar in the first half. The EFL Championship, as the second tier of English football, has played a key role in the English football system since the reorganization of the leagues in 1992, when the Premier League was created. Historically, second-tier competitions have existed under various names, and the fight for promotion to the elite has always been characterized by immense intensity and unpredictability.These results mean Coventry has consolidated its top spot with a three-point lead over Middlesbrough. In turn, Middlesbrough has a six-point lead over third-placed Millwall. For West Bromwich Albion, the defeat means a deepening crisis. The club has not won any of its last nine league matches and has not scored a league goal in four full matches, equating to 360 minutes.Coventry City: 2025-11-25: 2, 2026-02-21: 1„It's a big win for the team's spirit, especially after such a long time without an away success. The players showed character.” — Frank LampardAt the bottom of the table, the pressure to stay in the league is increasing. Sheffield Wednesday, who are in last place, could have been mathematically relegated on the same day if West Brom had won their match. Since West Brom lost, Wednesday's relegation decision has been postponed. The battle is also on for a place in the promotion play-offs (play-offs). Following Blackburn Rovers' victory over Preston North End earlier this week, six teams are now competing for the sixth and final spot granting the right to play in the play-offs.EFL Championship table top after matches on 21.02: 1. Coventry City — 71 pts; 2. Middlesbrough — 68 pts; 3. Millwall — 62 pts; 4. Leicester City — 60 pts; 5. Hull City — 59 ptsIn other matches of the day, attention is also drawn to the debut of Leicester City's new manager, Gary Rowett. Leicester, who still have a chance of playing in the play-offs, are trying to break a winless streak under the new coach. Hull City, on the other hand, had a chance to move up to third place in the table with a win over Queens Park Rangers.[{"aspekt": "Matches without a win", "przed": "8", "po": "9"}, {"aspekt": "Minutes without a league goal", "przed": "270", "po": "360"}, {"aspekt": "Position in the table", "przed": "22nd (relegation zone)", "po": "22nd (relegation zone, larger gap to safety)"}]The Championship season is entering a decisive phase, where every point is of immense importance both in the fight for promotion and for survival. The pressure on teams at both ends of the table will only increase in the coming weeks.