Max Biamou shines as Coventry City all but seal Championship survival with win over Barnsley

Coventry City all but confirmed their status as a Championship outfit for next season with an impressive 2-0 victory over playoff chasing Barnsley.

An early volley into the bottom right corner from defender Dominic Hyam set the Sky Blues on their way and, having soaked up Barnsley pressure for the majority of the second-half, sealed the three points on the cusp of full-time. Substitute Matt Godden latched onto a long ball and took advantage of sheepish defending from the visitors, curling the ball into the far corner expertly.

Both players played strong roles in Mark Robins’ side’s victory, which sees them now nine points clear of the relegation zone with four games to play. However, striker Max Biamou was an unsung hero at St.Andrew’s on Sunday.

There have been plenty of recent success stories regarding players switching non-league for a spell in the EFL, and potentially going on to even greater things in the Premier League. Michail Antonio, Charlie Austin and Ché Adams are some of a handful who have played for clubs below the 92. 30-year-old Biamou is another who has made it in the EFL after a spell in the English non-league setup.

Granted, the striker played just one season in the fifth tier of English football as the Frenchman joined Sutton United from Yzeure, a club who currently play in the fourth-tier of Biamou’s homeland.

The forward was involved in the famous FA Cup run that saw the National League outfit get all the way to the fifth round, starting in the 2-0 defeat to eventual winners and English heavyweights Arsenal that saw them eliminated from the competition.

Biamou scored three goals in six appearances during the famous run, including a 90th minute winner against AFC Wimbledon in the third round.

A further ten league goals in 39 National League appearances that season caught the eye of Coventry City, who were preparing for life in the league above having been relegated from League One that season.

The striker bagged five goals as the Sky Blues recorded an instant return to League One, but an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of the 2018/19 season limited his opportunities.

After two seasons in the third-tier, Coventry returned to the Championship, having not played second division football for eight years, and look set to have a second consecutive season in the league having won on Sunday.

Biamou has just the four goals to his name this season, but it was clear to see that his game isn’t just about goals.

The Frenchman’s hold-up play was excellent against Barnsley. A shrewd chest down from a throw-in fell into the path of Dominic Hyam, who struck the ball past Brad Collins expertly on the volley for his second of the season; it wasn’t a goal you’d expect from a centre-half.

? | Another great shift from @MaxBiamou #PUSB pic.twitter.com/7x2LXU97Fd

— Sky Blues Extra (@SkyBluesExtra) April 18, 2021

You could argue that Biamou was lucky to claim the assist, with the goal coming as a result of naive defending and a stunning finish… it was clever play nonetheless.

The 30-year-old found was involved in every Coventry flurry forward, particularly in deep positions as the striker held the ball up and released for a teammate before venturing towards the 18-yard-box, seeking an opportunity to score.

No chances of note fell to the striker, but it’s fair to say Biamou was a key player for the hosts as they all but sealed Championship football for next season.

What will provide the Sky Blue faithful with added glee is the fact that survival has tied in with the announcement of a return to the Ricoh Arena, having played at St.Andrew’s for the past two seasons, as well as the imminent return of fans. It’s a good time to be a Coventry City supporter.

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