Sheffield Wednesday have started the 2024/25 season in perfect style after a 4-0 win against Plymouth Argyle.
Danny Rohl’s side were able to prove how much they have developed across the six weeks of pre-season, with Sheffield Wednesday being able to play Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle off the park for the full 90 minutes.
The Owls had several debutants impress in front of the packed Hillsborough crowd, which saw Jamal Lowe bag the first goal of the 2024/25 Championship campaign for Sheffield Wednesday and also his first strike in blue & white.
Svante Ingelsson was also touted as a brilliant piece of business from Sheffield Wednesday after he ran the show, whilst former Southampton full-back Yan Valery was able to completely transform the right flank and was able to work brilliantly well with Djeidi Gassama on the wing.
Despite Rohl’s side being able to knock four past Plymouth Argyle, with the other three coming courtesy of Josh Windass, Michael Smith an own goal, the German boss highlighted something else that he believed was the ‘most important thing’ about the win.
Danny Rohl highlights the ‘important clean sheet’ after Sheffield Wednesday victory
Every player played brilliantly out on the pitch for Rohl’s side, and there is no doubt that he got the starting 11 correct in order to quash any potential Plymouth Argyle threat.
Whilst the Owls ran rampant at the away side’s defence, Rohl also noticed the consolidation between the back-four for Sheffield Wednesday.
Speaking to the club website, he said: “For me, this is the most important thing. The clean sheet is a big positive. Without a good performance at the back, it is not possible to win the game 4-0.
“In both directions we played well, we pressed and kept the ball all over the pitch. It is a good start but only a start.
“We have another 45 to go but that is one down, three points, a good win and the important clean sheet.”
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The return of Di-Shon Bernard and James Beadle will prove to be crucial
New signings James Beadle and Di-Shon Bernard, who were both at the club last season, have returned to Rohl’s side on loan and a permanent respectively, and there will be no downplaying how crucial they will be in games to come.
Thanks to the midfield, in particular Ingelsson, being so effective in chasing balls and cutting out passes, the pair were given very little to do in the first game, particularly Beadle who faced just one shot on target.
It is clear the impact that Beadle had on the side since his introduction last season on his first loan spell at the club, whilst Bernard brings in that extra physical presence and nimbleness on his feet to not be dealt with a ball over the top.
The new-look full-back’s Valery and Max Lowe certainly made a difference on the offensive front, however Bernard was a rock at the back and any threat that was posed, although limited, was easily dealt with.