Sheffield Wednesday staged a remarkable comeback against Wrexham on Saturday afternoon.
The Owls could not have had a worse first half, falling behind 2-0 thanks to a Kieffer Moore brace, but they refused to give up and fought at halftime. Barry Bannan was the first to draw blood, scoring just after the hour mark, and Bailey Cadmarteri was on hand to equalize at 2-2. Despite the chaos off the pitch, the players and fans were once again a credit to the club, and the team was excellent value for the point they brought back to Sheffield.
Here’s how we rated in the Owls following an inspiring afternoon in Wales:
1. Ethan Horvath – 6 He went straight into the mixer after his signing was confirmed the day before and took a nonsensical approach to distribution. Parried Dobson’s shot directly at Moore in a harsh first moment of note, but battled back, claiming one high in the air to excellent effect.
2. Yan Valery – 8
Tucked in the midst of the defence, perhaps to combat Moore’s physicality. He was rag-tagged a few times in the first half, but for the most part looked neat in a role he shouldn’t have to play. Moore’s hat-trick was prevented after half an hour. His pass for the equalizer was fantastic. Despite showing indications of tiredness, he fought till the end.
3. Dominic Iorfa – 6.
Just seemed to lose track of Moore in the moments leading up to the opener, leaving him scrambling and unable to recover. I got tangled and ended up falling around. Made solid aerial contributions from there and, like everyone else, gave a stronger second half effort.
4. Max Lowe – 7.
Pushed the ball forward to good effect on occasion, but did not have his best performance against a Wrexham side that is strong in that channel. There’s a feeling he should have gotten out to Dobson’s shot faster, but how he grew in the second dig, jumping into critical interventions and giving moving forward.
5. Liam Palmer – 7.
Battled throughout and provided a strong performance in what is likely his most comfortable position. Blazed a shot over the bar when Wednesday were chasing, but delivered a great overall performance.
6. Svante Ingelsson – 8
Long throws were a source of excitement for Wednesday moving ahead. Showed a strong willingness to go around the pitch and had a few moments of excitement in possession. Won the headers and typified the charge. All guts and thunder!.
7. Barry Bannan – 8
Bannan, making his 450th appearance in Wednesday colours, was quiet in the first half but hauled himself and his team up a gear in the second, timing his run and finish perfectly to put them back in the game. He had issues with his delivery and stood up before walking off exhausted. Made tackles. Leaders’ effort in the second half.
8. Charlie McNeill – 6
A few of brilliant moments, and he appeared to be a player who was willing to take risks. A couple of cross-field balls opened things up nicely. Nothing really outstanding, but we won corners and kept things moving. Perhaps they should have won in the end. A mature effort.
9. Olaf Kobacki – 6
Played in a hybrid role, switching to left-back when Wednesday lost possession. He missed a good headed chance and gave the ball away more than he wanted. Sought to take guys on and grew into the game. Was significantly more effective in the second half.
10. Bailey Cadamarteri – 8
Some good moments in tight spaces, including some scrap. Perhaps he made a mistake once or twice, but that is to be expected at his age. Showing up and creating some promising moments. Finished nicely for the second and fought fiercely throughout.
11. Ike Ugbo – 7.
Some nice moments early on, and he appears to be going about things with a bit more confidence. He had a few half-chances, but he’s putting himself in circumstances he wasn’t in last season. Encouraging
12. Jamal Lowe -7 On for Ugbo, with around 15 minutes remaining to open things up and make things happen. That is what he did. Kept his head to slide Valery in for the second goal, creating a shooting opportunity later on.
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