"They've got used to losing" - Tony Pulis on penalty shouts and resilience as Sheffield Wednesday capitulate to late Norwich defeat

Norwich were lucky to be awarded the big decisions in their win over a Sheffield Wednesday side that need to learn how to win again, according to Owls boss Tony Pulis.
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Wednesday, 1-0 up going into the last eight minutes after Josh Windass’ headed opener, capitulated to concede two in three minutes and fall to their seventh league defeat of the season.

The defeat leaves them bottom of the Championship and while Pulis admitted he was ‘very disappointed’ in having had two penalty shouts turned down by referee Jarrod Gillett, he conceded that his side’s lack of composure in front of goal and in the latter stages cost them dearly.

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“We should’ve scored a couple more goals,” he said. “We had the opportunity and the chances.

Tony Pulis fumed at refereeing decisions after Sheffield Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Norwich.Tony Pulis fumed at refereeing decisions after Sheffield Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Norwich.
Tony Pulis fumed at refereeing decisions after Sheffield Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Norwich.

“The decision he made to give Norwich the free-kick were exactly the same as the decisions at the other end. Norwich got all three of those calls.

“There were two penalties that could have been given against us on Wednesday night in Sheffield, but it is disappointing. The lads have worked so hard.”

Pulis’ side had chances to go 2-0 up either side of the penalty calls, both of which were on the lively Kadeem Harris, and failed to keep hold of the ball well enough for the manager’s liking as the tide turned in the home side’s favour.

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“The team has got used to losing and not being able to grind it out,” he said. “We didn’t grind anything today, we played some good stuff.

“But when that time comes and the pressure starts, people have to be a lot more composed on the ball.

“We gave the ball away too many times when they were simple passes. Joey [Pelupessy] came on and kicked two into touch when they were simple passes, they have to understand and recognised not only to defend well, but also to be as resilient and strong in possession of the ball.

“If we get that second goal, the game is over. It was a great goal, a great goal from Reachy and a good header from Josh. But we can’t keep just kicking the ball away. You end up being camped in the box.”

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