Former Coventry City midfielder Don Hutchison has criticised Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi after the Nigerian missed a clear opportunity during Coventry City’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Awoniyi, who joined Coventry during the summer following a difficult spell at Nottingham Forest, had a golden opportunity to put the newly promoted side ahead in the first half.

The Nigerian was played through after Manchester City midfielder Anthony Semenyo gave the ball away, leaving Awoniyi with a clear run towards goal.

However, the striker dragged his effort wide of the target when he appeared to have several options to beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Hutchison, who was on commentary duty for the Premier League, was impressed by Awoniyi’s movement but felt the forward should have shown greater composure in front of goal.

“That's a shame, because his run was fantastic. Once he gets away, you think, can he pick a corner, has he got the composure?”

The former midfielder suggested Awoniyi could have gone around the goalkeeper or attempted to lift the ball over him rather than shooting wide.

“Can he go round the goalkeeper or dink it over him? That's a big chance and one he should be taking,” Hutchison said.

Awoniyi was eventually withdrawn in the second half, with Ellis Simms coming on as Coventry searched for an equaliser.

The missed opportunity proved costly as Manchester City took advantage of their chances and secured victory through Erling Haaland's first-half header.

Haaland rose to meet Semenyo's cross after debutant Enzo Fernandez had produced a well-weighted pass to set up the attack.

Coventry pushed for a way back into the game but were unable to find an equaliser, leaving them still searching for their first Premier League points of the season.

For Awoniyi, the missed chance will be particularly disappointing as he continues his attempt to establish himself at Coventry following his summer move from Nottingham Forest.

The Nigeria international will now hope to put the setback behind him and respond with a stronger performance when Coventry return to Premier League action.