The excitement of Championship football returned with some intriguing fixtures and Sheffield Wednesday vs Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough has certainly been one of them. Sheffield Wednesday, who narrowly missed out Premier League promotion in the last couple of seasons under Carlos Carvalhal, had a calamitous start of their new season. The Owls, however, gathered some momentum in later weeks and Nottingham Forrest, their Saturday evening opponent, faded away in recent weeks despite a glaring start under former Rangers boss Mark Warburton. The game, that was supposed to be a competitive one with end-to-end stuff, was eventually won by the hosts by 3-1 as they are now closing the gap with top six of the league.
Below are the Sheffield Wednesday players rated from the fixture.
Kieran Westwood: 7
The Republic of Ireland custodian made a few routine stops and delivered a convincing performance between the sticks. Could have done little to deny Osborn’s first half equalizer.
Jack Hunt: 7.5
Combined well with Wallace down the right-hand flank and performed his defensive responsibilities as well. Made a few tackles, clearances as well as impressed with his forward runs, key passes, and long balls.
Joost Van Aken: 6.5
The young Dutchman was troubled initially by Ben Brereton, Barry McKay, Jason Cummings and Ben Osborn. Struggled aerially, however, had a much improved second half.
Tom Lees: 8
Did exceptionally well to clear off the line and deny Jason Cummings from earning Forest a lead. Was stand out with his tackles, blocks, clearances, and interceptions. Was taken off with 15 minutes remaining and replaced by Jacob Butterfield.
Adam Reach: 8
The left-back had an impressive outing as he kept on making forward runs and creating chances for the attackers.
Ross Wallace: 7
Tested Jordan Smith with his efforts, linked up with Fletcher and Hooper on a regular basis and kept the Forest defence on their toes with his runs and one-twos.
Barry Bannan: 7.5
Bannan controlled the game in the midfield, won back possession and switched it in the flanks to use the width of the pitch. Assisted Gary Hooper in the first half who put the ball into the back of the net to earn his side an early lead.
Kieran Lee: 8.5
An outstanding display by the Englishman who helped his side to snatch all three points from the game. His second half corner was converted into a goal by Steven Fletcher and he himself found the back of the net minutes later.
David Jones: 7
Worked hard, tried to build attacks from the middle of the park and kept on playing one-twos with Gary Hooper that eventually created space in Forest back-line.
Steven Fletcher: 7.5
The Scottish hitman tested Forest custodian Smith repeatedly before earning his side a lead in the second half with a thumping header from Lee’s corner. Was taken off to be replaced by George Boyd with 20 minutes remaining in the regulation time.
Gary Hooper: 8.5
The former Celtic attacker hit the bar in the first half before finding the back of the net. Missed a few other opportunities before being taken off and replaced by Jordan Rhodes late into the game.
Substitutes
George Boyd: 6
Did well to help his side secure a crucial win.
Jacob Butterfield: 6
Came in place of Tom Lees. Did well to defend the lead.
Jordan Rhodes: 6
Came in place of Gary Hooper. Impressed with his movements inside the box.
