Frank Lampard cited Haji Wright's goal on the stroke of half-time as 'crucial' to the success at Bristol City that took Coventry eight points clear at the top of the table.
The Sky Blues were down to 10 men at the time, following Joel Latibeaudiere's red card just minutes after Tatsuhiro Sakamoto had headed the visitors in front.
But Wright's sixth goal in his last five games gave Lampard's men some breathing space and the manager told BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire: "The second goal was crucial to the game, crucial to our mindset, crucial to give us something to hang on to.
"It was a difficult start – they had a few opportunities and we knew they would give us some problems. They picked two strikers with pace and power and we were not completely at it.
"We got our goal which I was really pleased with, Tats getting in as he does and he can spring, then we've got control – then we lose a man and we had to make a change straight away.
"But the way the lads dealt with the second half was outstanding from all of them on the pitch, with great character and great spirit. We showed another side, which we have to show if we're going to get to where we want to."
