The Owls looked slicker and more combative for large periods of their 1-0 defeat at Watford before the home side’s first spell of sustained pressure told as substitute Yasser Asprilla spun inside to win the game for the Hornets.
Major concerns continue over Wednesday’s inability to score goals - Josh Windass and Jeff Hendrick spurned good headed chances and the penalty controversy was a killer blow, but for all their endeavour not a huge amount was produced in the way of opportunity.
For all the promise in the effort, the result is another defeat to a fellow struggler and serves as another gut-punch blow.
Here are our ratings from a gut-punch afternoon in the capital.
5. Akin Famewo - 5
It’s only one game of course, but interesting to see Famewo preferred to Reece James at left-back by a second full-time Owls manager. The fact is that Watford got most joy down his side through Ince and then Asprilla. Took the ball up the pitch on occasion. Passing was off-radar and was unable to stop Asprilla for the goal. One to forget. | UGC / Steve Ellis
6. Anthony Musaba - 7
Drifted in and out of play - though you’d expect that from a player of his type. Took the ball into the box and caused issues in space. Twist and ball into Bannan in the first half showed quality - his endeavour won a controversially overturned penalty. Caused problems before he was taken off on the hour for Wilks - a decision that appeared to turn the game. | UGC / Steve Ellis
7. Jeff Hendrick - 6
Moved the ball up the pitch better than in his previous Wednesday outings in moments of the first half. Took on a shot from distance, had more of the ball in better positions but couldn’t sustain control. Headed wildly from a great chance early in the second half and should’ve done better. Off late. | Steve Ellis / UGC
8. John Buckley - 7
Entrusted high up the pitch and was positive in his pressing. Was played as neither one thing nor the other under Xisco but went about things with real confidence and clarity, acting as a nuisance and drawing fouls. Showed a swagger and was a big part of much of what Wednesday did well in the first half but tired a touch before he was brought off for James in a system rethink on 76 minutes. | Steve Ellis / UGC