There were several standout performers for Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night, as they came from behind to claim a 2-1 win at Portsmouth.
After setting up Josh Windass‘ equalising goal before scoring a thumping winner himself, Michael Smith took a lot of the plaudits for the Owls on Friday.
Smith was named Sheffield Wednesday’s Man of the Match on the night. The striker came into the XI amid a bit of a striker struggle for Danny Rohl right now, stemming from the misfiring form of Ike Ugbo right now.
Other names impressed too with Dominic Iorfa coming off the bench and putting in a solid shift after the injury to Akin Famewo on the night.
Di’Shon Bernard was solid alongside Iorfa whilst Barry Bannan and Shea Charles in the midfield made things happen throughout.
Windass though may once again go a bit under the radar; he’s often the first to be criticised when things aren’t going right, but he took his goal well on Friday night.
- READ MORE: Four positives and two negatives for Sheffield Wednesday after comeback win vs Portsmouth
Clinton Morrison lauds Josh Windass at Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday fans have been critical of Windass at times this season, and there has been a couple of games where the 30-yearold has been poor.
But his goal at Portsmouth makes him the Owls’ highest-scorer in the Championship this season with three so far, compared to the six he netted in the whole of the last Championship campaign.
Speaking before the game, former Sheffield Wednesday striker and now Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison spoke very highly of Windass, saying: “Josh is a talented individual.
“They have missed him recently, he has obviously been out. He can score important goals, other than the important goal that obviously got them promoted.
“He is a special footballer, Josh, he has got the X-Factor.”
Windass returned to the XI after missing the Coventry City and Burnley games, and starting on the bench against Swansea City in midweek.
- READ MORE: Clinton Morrison admits he was ‘really happy’ Sheffield Wednesday signed ‘combative’ star in summer
Josh Windass stats against Portsmouth
Windass scored from his one shot on target at Fratton Park, ending the game with by far the highest xG of any player on the pitch (0.56).
The striker recorded 47 touches of the ball (eighth-most of any Wednesday player), with 23 accurate passes to his name (seventh-most).
Sofascore gave Windass a 7.5 rating on the night which was the third-highest on Wednesday’s team and the fourth-highest on the pitch.
Although he didn’t see a whole load of the ball, especially in the first half, he showed his clinical side in the second half, with his neat finish setting up what was a much-needed win on the road.
Like Morrison suggests, Windass will once again be crucial for Sheffield Wednesday this season.