Standout performances and a familiar feeling: Heroes and villains from Sheffield Wednesday's late defeat at Norwich City
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Two goals conceded within four minutes saw Wednesday’s perfect game plan become not so perfect and what would have been a headline-grabbing, momentum-building win over one of the division’s premier sides dissolved into a discussion over some familiar topics.
But there were some major positives alongside the difficult ones. Let’s take a look at the heroes and villains from an afternoon in Norfolk.
Adam Reach
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Hide AdExciting, isn’t it? The thought of Adam Reach back to his best, attacking with the confidence and vigour that saw him race into the hearts of Sheffield Wednesday supporters all those years ago.
His cross for Wednesday’s goal was nothing short of world class, swept in from the left with perfection directly onto the head of Josh Windass, who finished nicely.
But it wasn’t that moment in isolation that caught the eye from Reach’s performance on the left.
His pace, running and match intelligence, knowing when to trigger the Owls’ counter, will have been a huge plus point in Tony Pulis’ book.
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Hide AdHe has a goal and two assists under the new manager. He previously went 22 matches without registering either under Garry Monk.
Father Time
It’s no friend to Sheffield Wednesday, though of course it is Sheffield Wednesday’s fault that the relationship has turned sour.
Late capitulations have far too long been a scourge on Owls progress and while Norwich have obvious quality – both assists were earned by classy performer Mario Vrančić – the sense of defensive solidity that had been growing and growing under the new boss elapsed at Carrow Road.
They were unlucky – the leveller somehow crept through the legs of both Tom Lees and Joe Wildsmith – but the passing-up of three points cost them heavy. They could have woken up one point from safety this morning. Instead, they’re two points adrift at the bottom of the Championship.
The Officials
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Hide AdWhen you’re scrapping for your lives, as Wednesday are at current, the marginal calls can make all the difference.
Two penalty shouts, both for perceived fould on the lively Kadeem Harris, dominated Pulis’ post-match chat with the media and while the second of which looked on replay to be a fine bit of work from the Norwich defender, the first looks more like a penalty every time you see it.
Pulis himself pointed out the good fortune the Owls received in midweek as Reading had a flurry of spot kick appeals turned away.
In five matches, Wednesday have taken one point from matches presided over by referee Jarred Gillett.
Julian Börner
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Hide AdAt the height of his powers last season, The Star described Julian Börner as ‘a Championship benchmark to be measured against, the poster boy for everything the Owls have been built on this year and a totem of defensive calm.’
It’s not long ago that such a description looked a touch ridiculous as the German drifted through rare appearances with all-too-little concentration.
But he looks back to his best, turning out another classy performance at the heart of the Wednesday defence.