Dom Howson's Owls player ratings from Aston Villa 1 Sheffield Wednesday 2

Second half strikes from forwards Marco Matias and Steven Fletcher helped Sheffield Wednesday defeat Aston Villa 2-1.
Dom Howson's Sheffield Wednesday player ratingsDom Howson's Sheffield Wednesday player ratings
Dom Howson's Sheffield Wednesday player ratings

Owls writer Dom Howson examines how the visitors fared at Villa Park:

CAMERON DAWSON 7

Was generally untroubled in a tight opening 45 minutes. Had absolutely no chance with McGinn's stunner. Came out to claim a number of crosses to relieve the pressure on the defence late on. Expertly commanded his area.

TOM LEES 8

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The Owls skipper led by example, making a series of important challenges and clearances to frustrate Villa. He was a calm, composed figure in the three man defence. Lees should take a lot of confidence from this polished performance.

MICHAEL HECTOR 7

Delivered a classy, composed performance on his first Wednesday start. Won plenty of headers in the heart of the Owls' rearguard and was assured on the ball. On this evidence, he will be a big asset for Luhukay's side over the coming weeks and months.

DANIEL PUDIL 8

Had a point to prove, having not been in the side over the last couple of weeks, but his experience and solid positioning was invaluable to the Wednesday cause. Helped restrict Villa to few clear-cut opportunities.

ASH BAKER 6

His distribution let him down from time to time. Kept going but found the skilful Jack Grealish a hard man to keep quiet. Was cautioned in the first half after upending Alan Hutton out wide. His header contributed to McGinn's volley.

JOEY PELUPESSY 8

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Made a big difference to the balance of the midfield. Worked his socks off in the centre, enabling Wednesday's flair players to strut their stuff. The Dutchman broke up play effectively and whipped in a delightful cross for Fletcher's header.

BARRY BANNAN 7

Was busy and constantly demanded the ball on his return to Villa Park. Pelupessy's recall gave him the freedom to weave his magic and make things happen. Kept things nicely ticking over in the centre.

ADAM REACH 8

Back to his best after a dip in form. The £5m man played a major role in Matias' opener. Threaded two lovely passes through to Fletcher and Matias but the forwards failed to make the most of the opportunities.

MATT PENNEY 7

Proved a good attacking outlet throughout for the Owls. Shackled Albert Adomah, who is a dangerous customer on his day at this level, brilliantly and bombed forward at every available opportunity.

MARCO MATIAS 9

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Capped an excellent individual performance by scoring his third goal of the campaign following great work by Reach. Worked tirelessly and held the ball up well. Looks like he is benefiting from a long stint in the team.

STEVEN FLETCHER 8

Bullet header to put Wednesday back in front after he had missed an easier chance moments earlier. His first half overhead kick attempt went inches off target. Intelligently led the line and was a real focal point.

Substitutes

ATDHE NUHIU 6

Led an encouraging three on two counter attack in the dying minutes which the Owls should have made more of. The big frontman also gave away a number of needless free kicks.

 

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