Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis has criticised Joel Pelupessy following his involvement in the 2-1 defeat at Norwich City at Carrow Road, Yorkshire Live report.
The Owls looked on course for a surprise victory after John Windass’s opener.
But two goals in the final ten minutes from the hosts saw Norwich turn it around and climb back to the top of the Championship, while leaving Wednesday rock bottom.
There were positives to take from the game with Wednesday extremely competitive.
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But the Owls paid for some slackness late on. Speaking to reporters, Pulis was particularly unhappy with Pelupessy who came on as a second half substitute.
“Joey [Pelupessy] came on and kicked two out of touch when he had simple passes. They have got to understand and recognise that they get paid to defend and defend well, which we didn’t for Norwich’s two goals, but we also have to be as resilient and strong in possession. In the last 10 minutes to quarter of an hour, for some reason, they got really uptight and instead of getting the pass off they were just prepared to kick it back to Norwich. We had to make substitutions and they have not made us stronger.”
Pelupessy joined the Owls in 2018 as Jos Luhukay’s first signing for the club.
The Dutchman has since seen three other managers take up the reigns at Hillsborough, with Pulis the latest following Garry Monk’s sacking last month.
Pelupessy came on as a second half substitute in place of Dominic Iorfa who starred in an unfamiliar midfield role. Windass put the Owls ahead seven minutes later.
But when Wednesday called on the Dutchman for calmness late on, he struggled.
Pelupessy failed to record any tackles, aerial winners or clearances. On the ball, he took 25 touches and appeared rushed and uneasy as Norwich began to apply pressure.
Derby County’s victory at Millwall sees Wednesday drop back to the bottom of the Championship table. Pulis will demand more, but January can’t come soon enough.
Also see: Report: Owls target Christian Walton could be set for January exit on the cheap
Also see: ‘Old school’: Owls ace often overlooked by Monk shares key improvement under Pulis
