Jordan Rhodes, a sensational first half and three more points - Five talking points after Sheffield Wednesday's emphatic away win at Nottingham Forest

Sheffield Wednesday recorded their biggest win of the season, thumping promotion rivals Nottingham Forest 4-0 at the City Ground.
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Here, Owls writer Dom Howson picks out five talking points.

Jordan Rhodes

The striker will rightly hog all the headlines. Wednesday's £8m record-buy rolled back the years, scoring a sublime first half treble. His clever movement off the ball and clinical finishing overwhelmed Forest.

Jordan Rhodes bagged a hat-trick. Pic Steve EllisJordan Rhodes bagged a hat-trick. Pic Steve Ellis
Jordan Rhodes bagged a hat-trick. Pic Steve Ellis

Rhodes tore the hosts feeble defence apart to become the first Wednesday player to score an away league hat-trick in the top two tiers since John Sissons in a 5-3 defeat at Burnley in February 1972.

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Less than a month ago Rhodes' days looked numbered at Hillsborough but the striker has taken his chance to shine in the past three matches and spectacularly resurrected his Owls career.

First halfWednesday ran riot in the opening 45 minutes and it would not have flattered them had they scored seven or eight. As abject as Forest were all over the pitch, the Owls delivered a breathtaking attacking display.

Barry Bannan and Massimo Luongo bossed midfield while Rhodes and Steven Fletcher terrorised the hosts defensively. Fletcher bullied them in the air and Rhodes gave his best performance in Owls colours.

A welcome clean sheet

This was Wednesday's first shut out in eight matches since their goalless draw with Leeds United on October 26.

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The back four were solid and Forest rarely looked capable of breaking them down. When the hosts occasionally threatened, Cameron Dawson was equal to Joao Carvalho and Sammy Ameobi's efforts.

They do enjoy playing ForestWednesday have won nine of their last 11 meetings with Forest. It is a remarkable record and Forest will be relieved that they don't have to face the South Yorkshire club again until next March.

The Owls are flying

Monk's men have taken 10 points from the last four matches to move up to fifth in the table.

They are on a five-match unbeaten run and will fancy their chances of maintaining their upward momentum over the festive period, with three of the next four fixtures at fortress Hillsborough. It is a big chance for Wednesday to cement their place in the top-six.

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