HAJI Wright lauded Coventry City’s victory against promotion rivals Middlesbrough as a ‘statement performance’ from the Sky Blues.
The American forward scored a hat-trick to settle the contest at the Coventry Building Society Arena as he ended a run of three games without a goal.
Victory for the Sky Blues saw Coventry complete a league double over Boro while City now lead the Championship by a single point ahead of the Teessiders.
And Wright felt Coventry’s energy and aggression gave them the upper hand in the contest with Boro unable to match the home side’s intensity.
Wright said: “It feels great. Top of the table, three points, playing at the CBS. Nothing is better.
“Coming off a bit of a cold streak. Scoring three goals at the CBS is a great feeling.
“We played with a lot of energy and a lot of aggression in the first half, it was hard for them to deal with.
“In the second half we played a bit more tactical and were able to just defend the lead and counter a bit more.
“It was a statement performance against a great team.”
Wright opened the scoring before the break before completing his treble in the second period while Riley McGree found the net for the visitors.
The forward’s second goal came via a long ball from goalkeeper Carl Rushworth while his hat-trick strike came from the penalty spot.
And Wright felt the atmosphere created at the CBS Arena meant the result would only end in a Coventry victory.
Wright added: “It’s a great pass. He’s great with his feet for a goalkeeper. I’m happy with the pass, thanks Rushy!
“Not much [goes through my mind when taking a penalty], I just pick my spot, size up the goalkeeper and try and shoot with confidence.
“It was a great performance from the team and everybody in the stadium. It only felt like it could end one way.
“It’s only three points. There’s so many games to go until the end of the season. We want to focus on the rest of the games that are ahead of us.”
Coventry are next in action against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, February 21 with kick-off at 12.30pm at the Hawthorns.
