Every single Sheffield Wednesday player can be proud of their efforts in securing the win over Derby County on Sunday afternoon, but two stood out the most for Dom Howson.
After defeating Hull City away from home fairly comfortably in midweek, Sheffield Wednesday had to dig deep to get a positive result on their trip to Pride Park this weekend.
Danny Rohl’s side were behind within ten minutes, but fought back valiantly in the second half, with a ‘phenomenal’ Barry Bannan goal and an injury time winner from Jamal Lowe securing all three points for the Owls.
While a number of players have stood out for Wednesday this season, it was two unlikely heroes who get the plaudits after the victory over Derby.
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Callum Paterson and Jamal Lowe changed the game
In the end, the introduction of Jamal Lowe changed the game for Sheffield Wednesday, and Callum Paterson had quite the impact in setting up that winning goal, too.
Taking to Twitter/X after the game, Dom Howson was full of praise for the pair, writing: “It’s a squad game and both Callum Paterson and Jamal Lowe stepped up at the end of a busy week to deliver for Sheffield Wednesday.”
Paterson was lauded for his “dream” of a pass into the box, while Lowe earned credit for his movement in the box to get on the end of it.
The pair have not exactly been regulars in Rohl’s lineup this season, with Paterson even linked with a move away from the club in January, but they have shown how valuable they can be for now at least.
- READ MORE: Five things Danny Rohl can learn from Sheffield Wednesday win vs Derby, one issue nearly cost them
Squad depth could be key for Sheffield Wednesday success
Sheffield Wednesday have used 23 players this season, putting them in the bottom five in the division for squad size (in terms of players used, at least).
While some fans will have been concerned to see Shea Charles having to fill in at centre-half against Derby County, it is still reassuring that fringe players like Paterson can come in and do a job when called upon.
| Team | Players used |
|---|---|
| Sheffield Wednesday | 23 |
| Coventry City | 22 |
| Preston North End | 22 |
| West Brom | 22 |
| Swansea City | 21 |
For any team to be successful at any level, you need a range of different players who can put in a shift and cover where needed, and Sheffield Wednesday’s win over Derby proved they’ve got the quality deep within their squad.
It is clear Sheffield Wednesday still need a couple of new signings in January — namely a defender and a forward — but at least Rohl now has a better picture of who he can trust in his team.