But Sheffield Wednesday’s effort at Leicester City was one full of heart and graft on an afternoon the bookies held the home side as the shortest favourites in the history of the Championship. They were made to scrap and grapple every step of the way.
Nathaniel Chalobah’s opener was just reward for a competitive, up-and-at-em Owls first half that had them toe to toe with the title hopefuls. No pre-season of any note, unpaid wages, confusion over the management team, the loss of so many key players. It was defiant.
But as the sun beat down, as the legs grew more and more tired and as Leicester emptied their dugout of internationals, in the end it was just too much to ask. Here are our ratings from a sun-kissed King Power.
9. Svante Ingelsson - 7
Did bits of what he did so well last season, bobbing about on the left and stretching things out. Saw his role change as things go on - as most did - and acquitted himself well. | UGC
10. Jamal Lowe - 7
Worked his proverbials off. Pressed, harried, provided a couple of nice touches. Contributed in his own half, too, making some important interventions. A really understated performance but an important one. | UGC
11. Bailey Cadamarteri - 8
An excellent return to Wednesday colours. Got up and about early, was combative and spirited. Created one chance for himself more or less, cutting in from the left. Won more headers than anyone on the pitch. Really encouraging. | Steve Ellis / UGC
12. Sean Fusire - 7
On at the half-hour for the injured Chalobah. Acquitted himself well, put himself about. Could have perhaps just used the ball with more care from time to time. May well have an important role to play this season and looks bang up for the scrap. | UGC