The Sky Blues are off and running after a 3-2 victory over Oxford United on Friday. Paced by a brace from American forward Haji Wright, Coventry City were able to stave off quite a comeback from newly promoted Oxford United. In the first half, Coventry went ahead 2-1 via Wright and Milan van Ewijk but Mark Harris leveled it in the 55th minute. Wright wouldn’t let that stand getting into space in the 95th minute of play calmly rounding the keeper to defeat Oxford.
Wright is picking up right where he left off after scoring 16 goals in the Championship last season and it’s clear that Coventry will go as far as he and Ellis Simms can take them. Wright had an xG of 1.75 from eight shots from the wing as he was central to everything that the Sky Blues did in the match.
While he was a striker coming up in his career, the adjustment to being able to play off the left wing has not only added to Wright’s game, but it has also made him a more dangerous player overall. Having good pace and able to take up central positions when needed, it can be tough for opposing defenses to track him.
This is something that has also translated to national team play as well. If Wright can continue his current form, likely incoming new manager Mauricio Pochettino will have some decisions to make. As Christian Pulisic can play as a number 10, an option could be Wright taking up space on the left wing to see what it does with the attack.
It’s a good problem to have as it shows the depth in talent that the USMNT have and it also says a lot about how far Wright has come. After making the trip to the 2022 World Cup and only starting one match, all Wright has done is score and show why he should be in lineups. From the round of 16 against the Netherlands to saving the team in the Concacaf Nations League with his late match heroics, Wright has been one for big moments and it could see Coventry City make the Championship Playoffs this season.
KVSP