Sheffield Wednesday returned to Championship action on Saturday, being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Cardiff City.
Sheffield Wednesday started brightly against Cardiff City, having an Ike Ugbo goal disallowed in the first minute of the game.
The Owls were on top for most of the first 45 but conceded the opening goal of the game, with Cardiff’s Ollie Tanner finishing off a quick counter-attack.
But Danny Rohl’s side were only behind for two minutes as Di’Shon Bernard got on the end of a low cross into the box from Josh Windass.
Wednesday dominated possession and territory in the second half but struggled to test Jak Alnwick in the Cardiff goal, with substitute Anthony Musaba coming closest to securing his side the win.
Sheffield Wednesday player ratings vs Cardiff City
James Beadle – 5
Made a solid save in the first half when the scores were level but could’ve arguably done more to parry Callum Robinson’s shot away for Cardiff’s opening goal. He also parried a free kick into a dangerous area in the second half that could’ve caused trouble.
Marvin Johnson – 6
Involved in some nice attacking plays in the first half especially. His energy down the left side was impressive without necessarily impacting the match.
Max Lowe – 7
Certainly looks much better as a centre-back than a full-back. Building a nice partnership with Johnson on the left.
Di’Shon Bernard – 8
Made some nice interventions and was in the right place at the right time to score. Wednesday controlled possession in the second half which meant he was quiet defensively but still managed to win 100% of his aerial duels.
Yan Valery – 6
Got quite central at times, showing the fluidity of this Sheffield Wednesday shape. He also played four passes into the final third from defence which helped break down a defensively sound Cardiff.
Barry Bannan – 7
Contributed with his usual passing quality, including a deft through ball to create a big chance for Windass in the first half. His partnership with Shea Charles is certainly one of The Owls’ greatest strengths.
Shea Charles – 6
Made some uncharacteristically sloppy passes in the first half and was dribbled past in the buildup to Cardiff’s opener. His ability to drive with the ball helped Rohl’s side keep up their forward momentum throughout.
Djeidi Gassama – 7
Didn’t see a whole lot of the Frenchman early on but he quickly grew into the game and put some nice balls into the box. He seemed to have the beating of Callum O’Dowda down the right wing with four successful dribbles.
Josh Windass – 7
Made a good run in behind from a Bannan through ball but he narrowly missed the chance. Provided the all-important assist for Bernard’s equaliser and looked lively until he was substituted, much to his frustration.
Michael Smith – 6
His four touches in the opposition box perhaps tell the story of his lack of goalscoring chances in the game, he was neat in possession throughout though and provided a decent focal point.
Ike Ugbo – 4
Looked gutted when his goal in the first minute was disallowed. He continued to work hard before he was substituted but continued to snatch at chances.
How we rated the Sheffield Wednesday substitutes
Pol Valentin – 6
Provided a stronger attacking threat than Valery when he came on. Wednesday remained on top throughout his time on the pitch which meant he wasn’t tested defensively.
Jamal Lowe – 5
Attempted to make things happen but without the necessary quality to disturb the Cardiff defence.
Callum Paterson – 5
Similar to Lowe, did have one chance from a corner but struggled to make an impact otherwise
Liam Palmer – 6
Came on during a period of attacking pressure for Wednesday that continued until full time so didn’t need to provide much defensive cover, solid when called upon.
Anthony Musaba – 7
Certainly Rohl’s most positive substitution. Forced a save from Alnwick and provided impressive pace in his time on the pitch.