'Too short' - Sheffield Wednesday boss breaks down Hull City defeat
Sheffield Wednesday’s winless run extended to 33 Championship games on Saturday as they were beaten 3-1 by Hull City.
The Owls put in a good first half performance at the MKM Stadium against the Tigers, and actually took the lead via a scrappy Jamal Lowe goal that took a deflection on the way into the back of the net. Sadly, though, their lead barely lasted a minute as the hosts went straight up the other end to grab an equaliser via Matt Crooks.
Wednesday looked to be heading into the break with the scores deservedly level, but an unfortunate Dominic Iorfa own goal right before the whistle saw them go down the tunnel 2-1 down. Kyle Joseph got a third in the second half to wrap things up, and a comeback never looked likely.
For manager, Henrik Pedersen, he was largely pleased with his side’s performance, but knew that they were going to have a tough time against their ‘intensive’ hosts.
“I think we played a strong, strong first half,” he said afterwards. “We know Hull are one of the most intensive teams in the league, and one of the best in counters. We were strong defensively in general, and there were a lot of times where we won the ball and played transitions against them. I think the first half was strong and it was great that we went 1-0 up - but it was too short.
“The first attack they had afterwards they scored, and then we came back strong again. We were on top of things, and then obviously we scored an own goal from a set piece just before half time. The second half they started better than us, but then we started to get into the game. I think we were getting on top of it, and had the ball more, but then we lost the ball and they scored another transition goal - it’s something that’s happened a lot this season.
“Of course 3-1 we had the ball more, and it was ok to break the first and second pressing line, but the final pass and final run was lacking. The boys gave everything.”
The Owls will now have some time off before taking on the final seven games of the season after the international break, starting with a trip to Stoke City on April 3rd.