Sheffield Wednesday lost 2-0 at home to Leeds United on Friday night, on a frustrating night for the Owls.
Leeds United scored either side of the break through Patrick Bamford and Wilfried Gnonto to claim all three points, and put an end to Sheffield Wednesday‘s five-game winning streak.
The Owls could’ve moved out of the drop zone with a point last night.
But Danny Rohl was forced to make some changes to the XI with Will Vaulks, Dominic Iorfa, and Michael Ihiekwe all dropped to the bench, with Rohl saying he wanted some ‘fresh legs’ in the side.
And the Owls still gave it a good go, with the air of disappointment following the defeat symbolic of the higher expectations at Hillsborough now.
Marvin Johnson struggled in face of pacy Leeds attackers
Sheffield Wednesday had to do a lot of defending last night, with Pol Valentin and Marvin Johnson on the flanks having a lot to do.
Bamford’s opening goal came down Valentin’s side and Gnonto’s goal came down Johnson’s side, with the marking for the second goal in particular not great.
Archie Gray played at right-back for Leeds and he was up and down the flank last night, giving Johnson a hard time.
And Leeds Live‘s player ratings from Friday night scored Gray a 7, with journalist Beren Cross adding that the youngster ‘got under’ Johnson’s skin.
He wrote of Gray’s performance:
“Solid on his return. Nothing that really stood out for being the teen marvel he is. Was useful on the overlap in the first half. Got under Marvin Johnson’s skin. “
A tough night at the office for Sheffield Wednesday defenders
Leeds have now scored 68 goals in the Championship this season, with names like Crysencio Summerville, Dan James, and Joel Piroe having all scored 10+ goals in the league so far.
Daniel Farke had the luxury of bringing marquee summer signing Piroe off the bench last night, along with the pacy James and Conor Roberts too, so for a Sheffield Wednesday defence that has little depth, it was certainly a tiring evening.
But they stood up well for the most part, and Johnson still managed to create some opportunities going forward.
But defensively it was difficult. Gray and Gnonto down the right certainly gave Johnson a hard time and maybe the 17-year-old Gray did get under Johnson’s skin somewhat.
Johnson though is an experienced pro and a top player enjoying a good season.
He and his teammates will bounce back from Friday night, but next weekend they have another hugely difficult task against an Ipswich Town side eyeing promotion.
It’ll be a different challenge to Leeds and maybe a less physical one, which could suit the Owls, but another testing outing nonetheless.