Haji Wright had the last laugh in Saturday’s head-to-head battle with fellow U.S. men’s national team forward Josh Sargent.
Wright scored a 96th minute equalizer in Coventry City’s 1-1 comeback draw vs. Norwich City. It marked Wright’s fifth league goal of the season in his fifth appearance, helping Frank Lampard’s squad earn one point at home.
Norwich City struck first through Mathias Kvistgaarden’s 17th minute finish but the Sky Blues would rally late to earn a share of the spoils.
Wright’s close-range finish in second-half stoppage time proved be a deciding moment to continue Coventry City’s unbeaten start to league play. The 27-year-old also won six duels and drew one foul in his 100-minute performance.
As for Sargent, he was held quiet, failing to produce a shot on target in his 84-minute outing.
Coventry City sits in sixth place following the draw while Norwich City are in ninth.
Patrick Agyemang assists on winning goal in Derby County debut
Derby County claimed its first league victory of the season with Patrick Agyemang playing a key role in the result.
Agyemang made his club debut at the Hawthorns, assisting on Andreas Weimann’s goal in a 1-0 road win over West Bromwich Albion. The former Charlotte FC forward missed the start of the league season but looks set to play a large part in John Eustace’s squad.
With both teams seeking a late breakthrough goal, Agyemang and Weimann delivered for the Rams. Agyemang’s headed pass was slotted home by Weimann, giving the visitors a late lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
Agyemang won three duels, drew two fouls, and made two defensive clearances in a 21-minute cameo.
Fellow USMNT player George Campbell played 90 minutes at right back for West Brom.
Up next for Derby County is a September 20 home date with Preston North End.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i8iZSFIi9g
Agyemang assist at the 6:03 mark.
Also McKennie started for Juve in their win against Inter today, one of the best games I can remember watching anywhere, top top soccer, amazing goals. McKennie looked sharp, played wingback but tucked in sometimes. He moved centrally late in the game after some subs, then was subbed off with about 10 min left. If anyone can rewatch this, it is worth it. Weah started for Marseille in their win Friday, but I didn’t see the game. Things trending up for our top players right now, hoping it stays that way.
Playing out of position on the left side. Nothing stellar offensively but rock solid in defense, covering a ton of ground and blocking shots.
Two more goals from Pepi, took a rough challenge right before coming off, but looked to walking on as he went to the sideline. Dest did Dest things and had 1 assist.
If Sargent got to play against his own defense heād score more too. Just an absolute turning off of the brain from that player in his own box. If he just blasts that Norwich gets 3 pts. Sargent played himself out of the drivers seat for the third forward spot against Korea. Just an absolute stinker. Such an Agyemang play, ball just barely glances off his hair but drops right to his teammate. Pat then has to jump out of the way to avoid deflecting it well wide. Sometimes itās better to be lucky than good. Glad heās back playing now weāve got to get Paredes, Dike, and Wiley back.
JR
“Sometimes itās better to be lucky than good. ”
Patrick played for Eastern Connecticut, who gave soccer Tommy Nevers and Paul St. Laurent. To be where he is today Patrick is more than just lucky. I would not best against this man.
I pointed out a few days ago that no attacker looked good against Korea. Even Pulisic was pretty much invisible while Weah missed a really good chance. So if you’re going to criticize Sargent for that game, he should have a lot of company.
Gary, for sure, but Sargent did next to nothing that match. Normally youād say well he didnāt get service but he did press well. But he didnāt do that either. Heās just not what Pochās system wants in a 9. In 62 minutes Josh had 17 touches 1 inside the box, in 30 minutes Balo had 22 touches 11 inside the box. Josh was very inactive in that match he just stood there and let the CBs mark him, he didnāt move to try drag the defense he just stood for 62 minutes. Coming off a performance against Panama where he had 8 touches in 68 minutes I thought heād come out prepared and active and he looked confused and resigned. Different match and game state but even comparing Downs actively in the next match to Sargent. I think Sargent might be 6th in line right now and Iām not sure he gets another camp to disprove that ranking.
JR –
Yeah. I really like Sargent for Norwich and he really does strike me as “Diet Karim Benzema” playing for them – but Benzema wasn’t just more skilled, he was also crafty and often unmarkable with his movement. And that’s where Sargent really falls down…not sure where the disconnect is. But I think there’s about zero chance he makes it now – I see Balogun and Pepi way out in front of everybody else, personally, and the argument’s going to be for that #3 striker spot because it’s a virtual certainty we’re bringing three to the World Cup. For my money it’s Haji Wright – my own choice, for our #3 I’d want someone who can score – or Damion Downs but Poch really seems to like Agyemang. And that does bump Sargent all the way down to #6 and probably well out of contention this cycle.
Wright tied with Sargent on league goals. Have a feeling Weighr will finish the season with more goals.
Good to see Agye playing and providing an assist on his debut.
2tone,
“Have a feeling Weighr will finish the season with more goals.”
It looks like Haji has a better supporting cast while JOsh looks like a one man band.
Ahhh but Haji has Lampard as manager never underestimate Frankās ability to mess something up.
JR,
Coventry just looks like a better overall team than Norwich.
And Haji looks like a better overall player than Josh.