Haji Wright’s stunning hat-trick propelled Coventry City back into the Championship play-off places with a commanding victory over Sunderland, denting the visitors’ hopes of an automatic promotion push.
The United States international, making his return to form after a lengthy injury layoff, struck twice in nine first-half minutes before sealing his treble in the 73rd minute, securing a 3-0 win for Frank Lampard’s side.
Wright returns in style
Wright had been sidelined for much of the past four months after suffering an ankle injury against Sunderland in November. Fittingly, his first goals since that setback came against the same opposition, as he put Coventry in control early on.
His opener arrived after Victor Torp set up Bobby Thomas for an early header, with Wright then drilling a powerful low shot past Anthony Patterson to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Just minutes later, Chris Mepham’s foul inside the box allowed Wright to step up and double the advantage, confidently converting his penalty with a strike straight down the middle.
Sunderland struggled to muster a response, with Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor both sending efforts off target in their best spell after the hour mark.
Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Wright latched onto another precise Torp pass and coolly chipped the onrushing Patterson to complete his hat-trick, earning a standing ovation when substituted in stoppage time.
‘Outstanding’ Wright earns Lampard’s praise
“From the first minute the players were really at it in every sense, both on and off the ball. They moved the ball quickly and moved it well,” said Coventry boss Frank Lampard.
“I hadn’t seen Haji [before his recent return from injury], all I knew is what he had done here before, so I was excited to get him back. And for him to play this level of game today, and show what he did was really impressive.
“It was an outstanding individual performance from him.”
Coventry’s promotion push gathers momentum
The win lifts Coventry up to fifth in the table, leapfrogging Bristol City after their victory over Norwich temporarily pushed them out of the top six. Sunderland remain fourth, but their defeat at the CBS Arena leaves them nine points off the automatic promotion spots, with Burnley overtaking them after a 2-0 win over Swansea.
With momentum firmly behind them, Lampard’s side will now be aiming to solidify their play-off position in the weeks ahead.
Writer’s view
Haji Wright’s return to fitness could not have come at a better time for Coventry. His clinical finishing and sharp movement provided the spark the Sky Blues needed in a crucial game, and his performance will only boost confidence heading into the season’s final stretch. If he can maintain this form, Coventry will be a serious threat in the play-off race.
