Frank Lampard sack latest as odds shift after Coventry's collapse to Brighton

Frank Lampard has seen odds shorten on his chance of being sacked by Coventry City after they were smashed 5-0 by Brighton on Sunday.

The Sky Blues were already 2-0 down when Taiwo Awoniyi was sent off for an elbow on Maxim De Cuyper, allowing the floodgates to open at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

It has been an extremely difficult start to the season for the Championship winners, who are yet to even score a goal, let alone pick up a point.

Lampard has significant backing at Coventry after ending their 25-year wait for Premier League football, but internal discussions will eventually have to be had.

The 48-year-old is yet to truly prove his ability to manage in the top flight, having previously been sacked by Everton and Chelsea.

Clashes with Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup and Nottingham Forest are ahead of his team this week, with the international break providing a potential opportunity to regroup.

Bookies shorten Frank Lampard odds

Previous cases show that usually, teams will have a better chance of surviving relegation if they sack their manager earlier.

Unfortunately that places teams like Coventry in a bind, with loyalty to their manager potentially punished.

Lampard's team were superb last season, scoring 97 goals and finishing 11 points ahead of second-place Ipswich Town, but there will be only so many displays like Sunday's decision-makers can take.

Coventry have waited a long time for their Premier League return, and instant relegation would be a major blow.

One major bookmaker has shortened Lampard's odds of being the next Premier League manager sacked to 13/2 in the wake of the Brighton defeat, while Fulham's Alvaro Arbeloa leads the race at 5/2.

Coventry fans make their feelings clear

Despite having seen Carl Rushworth pick the ball out of the net five times, Coventry fans chanted in support of the team and the manager at the end of the game.

There remains belief behind Lampard, but he must soon produce something in return. Continue as they are, and those above the manager will have no choice but to take action.

"These supporters have watched this team go from 17th in the Championship up to the play-offs, nearly in the Premier League then next year win the league so well," the Englishman said on Sunday.

"They appreciate the work done by these players and that was a sign of respect for what they have done and we absolutely respect that."