The Sky Blues left after a 3-2 win over Oxford United on Friday. Boosted by a brace from American forward Haji Wright, Coventry City were able to prevent a decent comeback from newly promoted Oxford United. In the first half, Coventry took the lead 2-1 through Wright and Milan van Ewijk, but Mark Harris equalized in the 55th minute. Wright wouldn’t resist moving into space in the 95th minute of play and calmly rounding the keeper to beat Oxford.
Wright picks up where he left off after scoring 16 goals in the Championship last season and it is 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 at the heart of everything the Sky Blues did in the match.
Although he was a striker in his career, the adjustment to being able to play from the left wing has not only helped Wright’s game, but has also made him a more dangerous player overall. Because he has good pace and can take up central positions when necessary, it can be difficult for opposing defenses to track him.
This is something that has also translated into national team play. If Wright can continue his current form, incoming new manager Mauricio Pochettino will likely have some decisions to make. Since Christian Pulisic can play as a number 10, one option could be for Wright to take up space on the left wing to see what happens in attack.
It’s a good problem to have because it shows the depth of the USMNT’s talent and it also says a lot about how far Wright has come. After making the trip to the 2022 World Cup and starting just one match, Wright has done nothing but score and show why he should be in the line-up. From the round of 16 against the Netherlands to saving the team in the Concacaf Nations League with his late-game heroics, Wright has had big moments and Coventry City could make it to the Championship Playoffs this season.
