Sheffield Wednesday: Five things we learned as the Owls moved into the play-off places by beating Bristol City

1: Lucas Joao thrills and frustrates in equal measure

The striker came on as a 17th-minute substitute when Steven Fletcher went off injured and contributed hardly anything, except for a two-minute spell not long after the hour mark. In those two minutes, however, he put Wednesday in front with a good finish and then won them the match with a sweet piece of skill and thumping shot. From anonymity to adulation in a matter of seconds. If only his attitude always matched his talent. Joao with Fletcher's workrate ... what a player that would be.

2: So far so good for Michael Hector

The loan centre-half was decent when he first came into the side, excellent in last Wednesday's 2-2 draw with West Brom and superb at Ashton Gate. Every player in the Owls backline played their part in a great victory, but Hector stood out above all others with his heading, tackling, speed and reading of the game. He has the ideal man next to him in the rugged, no-nonsense Tom Lees. Their partnership will be key to the Owls maintaining their place in the top six.

Bristol City boss blames ref for defeat against Owls

3: So far so good for Josh Onomah

The young midfielder didn't quite reach the heights of fellow loanee Hector but had his best game in a Wednesday shirt against Bristol City. Onomah has a good engine, affects the game in all areas of the pitch and is as happy doing the ugly stuff as he is looking to get the Owls moving forward. He earned the right to start and has earned the right to stay in.

4: Go on, Owls, give us a clean sheet

Twelve games in and Wednesday have yet to achieve a league shut-out. The defending has improved immeasurably since the dark days early in the season against Wigan Athletic and Brentford, but there is still work to be done. It's an obvious thing  to say, but clean sheets win tight games. The Owls are going to need some if their play-off push is for real.

5: The boss likes Cameron Dawson

The goalkeeper was one of the players manager Jos Luhukay picked out for praise after the 2-1 triumph at Bristol. Dawson pulled off a stunning save in the first half when the score was 0-0 and his shot-stopping has been consistently excellent since he was given the Luhukay nod over Joe Wildsmith and Keiren Westwood at the start of the season. A bit more bravery and command of his area wouldn't go amiss, though.