Sheffield Wednesday set-piece problems not just at one end of the pitch

Conceding from set plays is again the theme of the week at Sheffield Wednesday after an improved display was betrayed by an all-too-familiar failing at Hillsborough last Saturday. But, frankly, I’d be just as concerned about the Owls opponents not conceding from them!

Newly recruited set piece specialist Ben King has a really big and important job on his hands. It was highlighted again last weekend and not only by the almighty, chaotic goalmouth scramble that saw QPR plunder a late, late equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

Wednesday had 11 corners in that game, among 43 largely unproductive ones this league season, and didn’t look like scoring from any of them. A couple were played short but most were conventional flights into the area that were predictably dealt with.

More variation is required and, considering the technical skill of deliverers like Barry Bannan and Josh Windass, it is surely not beyond the Owls to devise something less obvious.

It’s not a new failing either, having drawn critical comment throughout last season. Manager Danny Rohl’s awareness of it was behind the recent addition of King, who has worked previously at Watford, Coventry, Walsall and Altrincham.

It’s far too early, of course, to point the finger in his direction but there is no mistaking what must be a pressing priority.

For the rest, some positives - not least that Rohl was prepared to tweak system and personnel and gained an improved display as a result. Within that, Shea Charles introduced himself as a classy link player in midfield, comfortable receiving in tight situations and adept at working triangles around him.

Olaf Kobacki put in a vigorous shift on the left side of attack and, individually, all three centre backs in the reverted system had good games.

Having been among many suggesting that switch, I think it’s the way forward - for now. It all needs to count for more but there are signs that it will.