Americans Abroad: Patrick Agyemang and Haji Wright shine as Christian Pulisic and AC Milan survive scare against Lecce

Milan survives a tricky clash with Lecce
AC Milan eventually found a way to secure three points on Sunday, though it was a frustrating outing for Christian Pulisic and his teammates. Pulisic played 73 minutes, leading the attack alongside Rafael Leao. The duo linked up at times, with Pulisic seeing two shots saved, but Milan struggled to generate enough threat before his substitution. Massimiliano Allegri then brought on Niclas Fullkrug, who proved decisive by scoring the match-winning goal in the 76th minute. 

The win keeps Milan just three points behind Serie A leaders Inter, maintaining their unbeaten run and proving crucial for title aspirations. Pulisic and his team showed resilience, finding a way to win despite a challenging day.

Wright delivers off the bench

Coventry’s season has had its ups and downs. After holding a six-point lead heading into Saturday, their match against Leicester looked set to be another test. The Sky Blues came from behind to equalise, but the score remained 1-1 with 10 minutes left. 

That’s when Haji Wright stepped up. The American striker, who hadn’t scored since October and had lost his starting spot to Ellis Simms, came off the bench to score in the 85th minute. Wright latched onto a cross-shot from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and slotted it home, securing a vital win and maintaining Coventry’s six-point lead. The goal could also boost Wright’s confidence after a challenging spell. 

Crystal Palace faced a tough afternoon in a 2-1 loss to Sunderland, leaving manager Oliver Glasner frustrated. 

"I feel we are being abandoned completely. The worst thing is selling our captain one day before playing a game. I have kept my mouth shut until now... You get your heart torn out twice this season, both times one day before a game, Eze and Guehi," Glasner said.

The team, stretched by European commitments and losing key players, struggled against Sunderland, who were revitalised by returning AFCON stars. Chris Richards had a particularly rough day, missing a defensive opportunity and failing to clear a second chance, highlighting the challenge Palace faces with a depleted squad.

Agyemang nets winner for Derby

Patrick Agyemang also stepped up in a crucial moment. Since leaving Charlotte FC nearly a year ago, the American has had to adjust to the EFL Championship. This season, however, he has begun to find his form. 

Starting for Derby County on Saturday, Agyemang scored the game’s only goal against Preston. In classic second-division style, he beat his marker to a floated cross and headed past the goalkeeper, giving Derby a 1-0 lead they maintained to the final whistle. With the victory, Derby sits just five points off a playoff spot.