Analysis: Hosts get reality check

[Getty Images] Defender Ethan Pinnock was the latest player to arrive at Coventry earlier this week in a recruitment drive that has amounted to more than £100m on 10 players. On this evidence more investment may be required, particularly at the top end of the pitch, if they are to ensure that this season is not only a brief sojourn in the Premier League after a 25-year absence. While they huffed and puffed against Hull and Awoniyi led the attacking line well, they rarely threatened to score against a well-organised visiting defence. Only three of their 11 efforts on goal found the target and the best of those, from Awoniyi, lacked power, with the ball being directed towards goal off the Nigerian international's thigh. And in the later stages of the game they also showed vulnerability in defence as they pressed for their first win in the division since April 2001. Having failed to heed an earlier warning when Millar dragged an effort wide instead of playing in Belloumi, they paid the ultimate price when roles were reversed and the Algerian winger picked out the right pass.