Dembele decision, praise for Godden

Posh boss Darren Ferguson has explained the controversial substitution of star man Siriki Dembele with more than half an hour still to play of Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Coventry City.

Fans were shocked to see Dembele replaced by Jonson Clarke-Harris in the 59th minute and many presumed the club’s top scorer was injured.

It was only 2-1 to Coventry at the time. Three of Dembele’s five goals this season have arrived in the final 20 minutes of games.

Ferguson confirmed his decision was tactical and based partly on Dembele’s body language.

Ferguson said: “I love the boy (Dembele) and he’s been more consistent than most this season. I didn’t want to take him off as he has scored late goals this season, but I couldn’t see it happening on Saturday.

“He had a recurrence of his tendonitis before the game, but that wasn’t why I took him off.

“His body language wasn’t good. He was getting frustrated with himself so I decided to change things. It didn’t work though.

“I have spoken to Siriki since and he’s fine. It wasn’t as though he was sulking or not trying. Things just weren’t coming off for him.”

Poshwentontoloseahome Championship match by more than one goal for the first time this season, although they were beaten 4-0 by Plymouth in the first round of the Carabao Cup at the Weston Homes Stadium in August .

It was the biggest home league defeat since the a 4-0 drubbing by Barnsley in League One in October, 2018.

Former Posh striker Matty Godden scored twice for Coventry and impressed his old boss. Ferguson allowed Godden to leave London Road in July, 2019 because he felt his chances would be limited due to the presence of Ivan Toney.

“Matty has improved enormously in the last couple of seasons,” Ferguson admitted. “And good luck to him. He’s a great lad. It was a move that worked out well for both clubs as Matt was unlikely to be picked ahead of Ivan.”