"With a team like Coventry their dip in form is rarely tactical, it's more psychological," Peter Dutton, an elite sport performance psychologist, told BBC CWR. "They've led for long periods, so players can shift from playing freely to playing not to lose. "So it may take slight pressure off them, sitting in the position they're in now rather than top of the table." He added: "If you look at Middlesbrough, their confidence will be high and they're playing without the weight of defending their long lead like Coventry. Frank Lampard understands why many are highlighting his side's new position in the table and how that might affect them.

Source: BBC February 16, 2026 15:39 UTC