FIVE things we learned after Sheffield Wednesday 4 Wolves 1

Four goals, the end of a winless run and a move to within touching distance of the play offs again - a decent day's work for Sheffield Wednesday.
Forestieri celebrates one of two goals against WolvesForestieri celebrates one of two goals against Wolves
Forestieri celebrates one of two goals against Wolves

Here are five things we learned from the Owls 4-1 victory over Wolves at Hillsborough

Forestieri on fire

Fernando Forestieri can now challenge Barry Bannan as the best among a long list of summer signings at Hillsborough. The former Watford man struck twice and should have really registered a hat-trick during a superb display in a game in which he started wide on the left. Opposing teams don't seem to be able to handle the 25 year old when he's placed on the flank because he simply doesn't stay there. Inevitably that will be found out eventually but before that happens, Wednesday are reaping the rewards.

All about the team

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don't ask Carlos Carvalhal to comment on individual performers. The excellent Forestieri scored twice, Gary Hooper showed signs of becoming the fearsome striker that plagued Championship defences, Sam Hutchinson strolled around the back four like he was on his holidays (in a good way) and Barry Bannan was Barry Bannan. Carvalhal refused to talk about anyone though because as far as he was concerned the entire team played their part. He probably had a point.

MORE FROM OWLS 4 WOLVES 1

Gary Hooper is getting better

As alluded to earlier, Hooper is starting to look a lot sharper. No doubt buoyed by his goal against MK Dons, even if the result is best left forgotten, the on-loan striker's touch and distribution was a whole lot better than it had been when he first signed and that of course has come with extra game time. He also added another goal, albeit inconsequential in the grand scheme of things but confidence-building nevertheless. It might have taken a while but this was more like the Hooper everyone expected.

Atdhe Nuhiu still has a role to play

The divides opinion but there's little doubt that Nuhiu is a presence and when it's used wisely, can be very effective. If he's coming off the bench, normally that means roughing up a defence potentially dead on their feet having dealt with the running of Joao or Forestieri or Wallace. Against Wolves though he did two things. One, made a mug out of a defender with a neat back heel, then a minute later threaded a superb ball through for Hooper to knock in the fourth. An unexpectedly skillful cameo from the big front man and further proof that he has part to play in this side for a little while longer at least.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

...and finally, Benik Afobe would be best keeping a lid on his celebrations so early in a game

The Wolves striker was relatively well thought of at Hillsborough after he had a loan spell there couple of years ago. Or at the very least fans didn't care about him either way. So it was a bit surprising that he chose to try and wind up the Kop after knocking home his penalty in the 13th minute. As it happened, Wednesday were back in the game pretty quickly and Afobe barely got a kick after that. Maybe save a little embarrassment and just celebrate with your team mates and your own fans next time, Benik?