Our retrospective player ratings from Sheffield Wednesday's 2016 playoff final heartbreak

An ocean of water has passed under the bridge since that heartbreaking defeat four years ago today.
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Our man Alex Miller watched the match back this week to deliver his verdict on who was at it and who was left wanting.

These are our retrospective player ratings from a frustrating day at Wembley.

Wednesday’s best player on the day by quite a distance, Westwood entered the clash with a reputation as the division’s top stopper and only enhanced that with a classy display.

Saved the Owls from a wider scoreline with three one-on-one saves and could do little about Mohamed Diame’s wonder strike.

Jack Hunt – 6

Faced up against in-form Tigers winger Robert Snodgrass, Hunt acquitted himself well in defence but was unable to impose himself going forward as he had done so much for Wednesday throughout the season.

Sheffield Wednesday pair Jack Hunt and Barry Bannan collapse in dejection after losing the 2016 Wembley play-off final.Sheffield Wednesday pair Jack Hunt and Barry Bannan collapse in dejection after losing the 2016 Wembley play-off final.
Sheffield Wednesday pair Jack Hunt and Barry Bannan collapse in dejection after losing the 2016 Wembley play-off final.

Came to the fore late on going forward but like so much of his side’s threat, it was too little, too late.

Glenn Loovens – 7

Wednesday’s leader was their best defender on the day and produced a calm and competent display.

The Dutchman was especially impressive as Hull took control in the second half, facing up to what at times was an onslaught.

Tom Lees – 5

So impressive alongside Loovens during the regular season, Wednesday’s modern-day skipper looked nervy on a day he’d want to forget.

It was his unconvincing clearance that led to Diame’s goal and he was generally shaky in possession.

Daniel Pudil – 6

Had his work cut out up against a marauding Hull wing-back Moses Odubajo at the very top of his game, but largely did well given little support from those in front of him.

Like so many of Wednesday’s players, he’ll have wanted to contribute more going forward. Never quite got going.

Ross Wallace – 5

Failed to follow-up his semi-final performances with a largely toothless display. Nothing quite went right for him.

Probed from set-pieces and forced a save early doors with a well-struck free-kick but ultimately delivered little. Off for Helan after the hour mark.

A talking point in selection, Hutchinson did his job well in a midfield that was overrun at points when other Wednesday midfielders went missing.

The former Chelsea man, likely to leave the club this summer, fought fires as best he could and was one of the Owls outfield players to walk away with credit.

Kieran Lee – 6

Cleared Abel Hernandez’s header off the line but was otherwise fairly lightweight on an afternoon that required his considerable legs.

Had enjoyed a wonderful season but failed to show up on the day. Wembley will be a disappointing memory in what has been a fine Wednesday career should he leave in the coming weeks.

Barry Bannan – 5

Fell deeper and deeper in an effort to find space to open the game up for Wednesday, Bannan was another who couldn’t seem to get a foothold in the game.

Midfield may well be where the game was lost looking back and Hull came out on top. Bannan is determined to get the Owls into the top tier someday and will look back on this with anguish.

Fernando Forestieri – 6

There were one or two eye-catching moments but Forestieri couldn’t live up to the hype built up over a stellar season.

An early free-kick forced a save from the impressive Eldin Jakupovic but on a day that required a moment of magic, Wednesday’s livewire cut a frustrated figure.

Another Wembley survivor who’s Hillsborough tenure looks likely to come to an end soon enough.

Gary Hooper – 4

Less kept at arms’ length by the Hull defence than pushed out of competition altogether.

With the creative forces behind him second-best, Hooper hardly had a kick, but he didn’t do enough to impress himself on the clash.

SUBS

Jeremy Helan – 6

On for Wallace, Helan had a decent half-hour as Wednesday attempted to push on but ultimately couldn’t change the game.

Atdhe Nuhiu – 6

On for Hutchinson with 24 minutes to go, he was the obvious substitute but was let down by sub-par delivery and while he caused a moment or two of panic in the Hull defence, nothing came of it.

Lucas Joao – N/A

On in the dying minutes for Pudil. Late effort offered a forlorn penalty shout.

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Stay safe and take care. Thank you. Alex.