Haji Wright reminded everyone why he is a top forward in England’s Championship League, Sergino Dest played well in a start, and Christian Pulisic is responsible for whatever pulse Milan might have this season. On the flip side, Juventus and its two Yanks are sinking, Brenden Aaronson had a tough game, and Gio Reyna is still glued to the bench. 

There is a lot to break down, but let’s start with Wright returning to form that could greatly alter the race to the Premier League promotion playoffs.

Haji Wright nets a hat trick

Wright won’t take part in the final four of the Concacaf Nations League with the U.S. national team as he was left off the preliminary roster due to him only recently returning from a long absence with an ankle injury. But the most important thing for Wright right now is to get back to 100% fitness and form for the stretch run of the English Championship as Coventry City appears to be in a good position to qualify for the promotion playoffs. With a healthy Wright, Coventry has a huge advantage. 

If Mauricio Pochettino left any hints about his thinking about the Nations League, it is that he doesn’t seem to highly rate players in second divisions. Wright would therefore be in a much better position if he can get promoted. 

On Saturday, Wright netted a hat trick for Coventry in a 3-0 win over a fourth-place Sunderland team in what could very well be a preview of the opening round of the promotion playoffs (if the season were to end today, that would be the matchup as Coventry sits in 5th place). In that regard, Wright’s performance was a statement to Sunderland that Coventry will be a tough opponent come May. 

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