Several Sheffield Wednesday players looked off the pace in their 1-1 draw against Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
Sheffield Wednesday hosted Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston North End, looking for a third-straight win in the Championship after previous wins against Hull City and Derby County.
Danny Rohl’s side started the day in the midtable position in the Championship and Preston in 18th, though it was the Lilywhites who struck first.
Emil Riis capitalised on some lax Wednesday defending to put Preston ahead in the first half. Sheffield Wednesday were without Barry Bannan through suspension and it was clear that the Owls were missing his creative presence in the middle.
Rohl made three changes at the break but Wednesday still looked nervy in the second half, with Preston holding firm with a one-goal lead.
Josh Windass missed a penalty for the Owls midway through the second half, with Freddie Woodman saving a quite poor spot kick. Michael Smith was the one who got Wednesday back in the game with a somewhat lucky finish, following some good work from Anthony Musaba on the flank.
Sheffield Wednesday player ratings vs Preston North End
James Beadle – 7/10
A string of fine saves in the first half. Wednesday’s best player once again which is becoming a worrying trend of late.
Marvin Johnson – 5/10
Left Rohl fuming in the first half when he appeared to let the ball go out of play and give possession to Preston. Had a lot of defending to do in the second half. A bit lax at times but looked more solid as the game went on.
Max Lowe – 5/10
Didn’t really do anything of note. Some decent enough passing, looked long no a couple of occasions and got Wednesday up the pitch. Not really standout either, though.
Di’Shon Bernard – 6/10
Found himself doing a lot of defending on the right with Yan Valery quite easily beaten at wing-back. Similar performance to Lowe in that he didn’t really do anything standout nor the opposite.
Yan Valery – 4/10
Saw a lot of Preston’s positive attacking play come down his right side of the pitch in the first half. Was perhaps caught napping for Preston’s opener. Off at the break.
Shea Charles – 6/10
Decent in possession in the first half. Looked like Wednesday’s brightest spark at times but was one of many players who looked a bit lost without Bannan alongside.
Liam Palmer – 4/10
Some stray passes in the first 45. Brought off at half-time after an uninspiring, rare start for the Owls veteran.
Djeidi Gassama – 6/10
Forward-thinking again in the first half. Responsible for arguably Wednesday’s biggest chance in the first half with a strong run and a decent effort wide of goal. Kept at it in the second half, albeit without causing Preston any real headaches.
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Josh Windass – 5/10
Found himself too deep at times. Looked like he was missing Bannan’s passes into attack. Some neat touches and movement in the Preston half. Poor spot kick.
Ike Ugbo – 4/10
Forced out left in what was a bold and perhaps poor call from Rohl. Barely saw the ball in the first half before coming off at half-time.
Michael Smith – 6/10
Smith was named Sheffield Wednesday’s Player of the Month for November but was poor in the first half against Preston. Some poor shooting from him. Didn’t hold the ball up as well as he has in recent weeks. But got an important goal nonetheless.
Pol Valentin – 5/10
Changed the game when he came on at half-time, winning the penalty for Wednesday. More of the play seemed to be on the left after a very involved first few minutes for the Spaniard.
Anthony Musaba – 6/10
Gave Wednesday a bit more umph in attack. Worked well for Smith’s goal with what is his fourth assist of the season. Looked to gain some more confidence after getting that assist.
Svante Ingelsson – 5/10
Good play in the build up to Smith’s goal. Looked to use his power and height to burst through the Preston midfield line. This game seemed to suit him much better than it did Palmer.