Coventry City 3-0 Sunderland: Hat-trick Haji Wright is Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues hero

By Tom Jarvis

COVENTRY CITY 3

Wright 21, 29 (pen), 73

SUNDERLAND 0

Frank Lampard praised his Coventry City side’s hat-trick hero, Haji Wright, after he scored his first goals since November in the Sky Blues’ victory over Sunderland.

The USA international last scored in Coventry’s trip to Sunderland back in November, but picked up an ankle injury in the same game that has left him on the sidelines for the best part of four months.

Lampard’s side had dropped out of the top six after a disappointing defeat to relegation-threatened Derby County in midweek, coupled with Bristol City’s win over Norwich City on Friday night.

However, they returned to the play-off places following this win over the Black Cats.

Quality

“Three goals, a constant problem, great quality finishing and great movement,” said Lampard of Wright.

“He won headers and went physically toe-to-toe with defenders and his work ethic off the ball was great.

“I haven’t worked with him properly and he’s had two sub appearances before the Derby start, which was a really tough game for him, but today was Haji in match-winning form and great to see.

“He doesn’t say so much.

“But that’s him – he’s laid back and a really nice lad.

“He comes to work and does everything you want and he’s enjoyable to work with.

“My players don’t need to say too much.

“Some do and some don’t.

“Haji has a laid-back way, which is his nature, but he wasn’t laid back on the pitch today.”

SPOT-ON: Haji Wright scores his second of the afternoon
PICTURES: Alamy

Match action

The home side took the lead in the 21st minute when Wright received Victor Torp’s forward pass and cut inside Luke O’Nien before drilling his low left-footed strike beyond Anthony Patterson from outside the box.

The American then won and converted the penalty that doubled Coventry’s lead.

Wales international Chris Mepham stuck out a leg to send Wright sprawling to the turf before he dusted himself down and calmly slotted in the resulting penalty.

Defender Bobby Thomas had scored three goals in his previous six outings and could have added to his season’s tally when he headed Torp’s well-delivered free-kick wide.

SALUTE: Haji Wright celebrates his opener with Jay Dasilva

Second half

Tempers flared after half time when Chris Rigg’s tackle on Tatsuhiro Sakamoto earned him a yellow card.

Sunderland had Patterson to thank when he got down by Thomas’ firm header.

But Wright wasn’t to be denied his first hat-trick in English football, latching onto Torp’s pass once again before lifting his sumptuous effort low to keep out Bob-over Patterson to put Coventry deservedly out of sight.

Eliezer Mayenda looked the most lively for the Black Cats, exchanging a quick one-two with Romaine Mundle before his tame effort was gathered by Oliver Dovin.

The Spaniard then broke free of the Coventry defence but dragged his effort wide of the far post.

Sunderland introduced top scorer Wilson Isidor as they went in search of a consolation, but he volleyed his effort wide as the Black Cats mustered just one solitary shot on target.