Sheffield Wednesday fans were stunned at the sight of Sunday’s Championship defeat vs Sunderland.
Sheffield Wednesday headed to the Stadium of Light in high hopes following their winning start to the season.
An opening day win vs Plymouth Argyle was followed up by a solid Carabao Cup win vs Hull City on the road.
But the Owls couldn’t replicate their heroics from the last day of last season on Wearside. Instead, Danny Rohl’s side were outclasses, and thumped 4-0 vs Sunderland.
Sheffield Wednesday conceded three goals before the break and then the fourth soon after the restart.
It was a reality check for the Owls who were flying high following what’s still been a very positive summer transfer window, and then their strong performances in the opening two games.
Several players were picked out for criticism during the Sunderland defeat with Josh Windass among those to receive criticism on social media, along with the likes of Yan Valery.
Valery and Max Lowe in the full-back spots were beaten all afternoon by Sunderland’s high-pressing, and well-drilled side, and it’s highlighted a major issue for Rohl.
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Sheffield Wednesday full-backs lack defensive capability
It was a common theme last season with Rohl wanting his full-backs to play more like wing-backs (specifically in his usual 4-2-3-1 formation), and often being caught out on the break.
It was the case during Sheffield Wednesday’s 6-0 defeat vs Ipswich Town last season when Marvin Johnson was heavily criticised for his poor defensive performance.
Valery’s performance vs Sunderland was reminiscent of that, and it’s laid bare the ongoing issue that Sheffield Wednesday in attack, when it works anyway, are unstoppable, but when they’re struggling defensively, they crumble.
Danny Rohl may have to make quick changes to the Sheffield Wednesday formula
It was clear that the Owls would start this season in a 4-2-3-1 shape, having played that shape throughout the summer.
But they were exposed against Sunderland and there’ll be inevitable cries to change to the 5-2-2-1 shape that we saw at times last season.
On the whole, the Owls play best in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but on the road this 5-2-2-1 system might suit them better, especially being able to have three centre-backs on the pitch, as Valery’s defensive abilities were exposed by Sunderland.
Rohl has been working on a particular shape and a particular style of attacking play all summer, but seems to have placed way more emphasis on attack than defence.
It may not be too late for Rohl to hit the reset button, to a degree anyway, and change the shape and style in time for the visit of Leeds United on Friday.