Sheffield Wednesday narrowly missed out a promotion to the Premier League last time following a 1-0 defeat against Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. However, Carlos Carvalhal, the Owls’ boss was determined to win it this time and confident of a productive outcome ahead of their trip to Elland Road to encounter play-off rivals Leeds United who have shown surprising upturn under Garry Monk and were even-steven with sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday with 58 points from 33 outings, only ahead on goal difference.
A win would have taken either of sides to fourth place ahead of Reading – The Peacocks utilised their fantastic home ambience and knocked the Owls down by 1-0 in order to strengthen their position in the playoff spots.
Below are Leeds’ individual player ratings.
Robert Green: 9
The veteran custodian was the greatest influence for the home side in second half as he tipped wide Jordan Rhodes’ penalty who went low in the corner. He was vocal while arranging his backline to defend the Owls’ set-pieces and tidy with his punching and collecting their efforts.
Luke Ayling: 6
The right-back was quiet down the right flank and focused on his defensive duties more than attacking contributions. Whipped in a few decent crosses as well and helped Leeds use the width of the pitch. Was vulnerable after the arrival of Callum McManaman who kept him on his toes with pace, dribbling and his directness.
Kyle Bartley: 7
The centre-back had a much improved afternoon compared to his previous outings against Ipswich Town and Cardiff City. Fernando Forestieri and Jordan Rhodes were kept under control in most occasions.
Pontus Jansson: 7
The Swedish centre-back was excellent once again. He was at the right place at the right time and made crucial blocks, interceptions and headed clearances to deny the Owls attackers find an equaliser.
Gaetano Berardi: 7
The Swiss international was not performing up to his standards for past few weeks. But the left-back showed his quality with tireless runs through the left hand flank and defensive duties when required. His perfect cross found Chris Wood who put the ball into the back of the net to earn an early lead for the home side. Could have done better to stop Ross Wallace playing in crosses into the box.
Eunan O’Kane: 6.5
O’Kane was decent in his midfield duty as he consistently kept on helping his defence to deny Owls’ threats. The former Bournemouth man was a little untidy towards the end and booked for a needless foul on Adam Reach. He was replaced later with teenager Ronaldo Vieira.
Liam Bridcutt: 7
The skipper brought in the much needed experience as well as stability in midfield. He controlled the game from midfield and broke down a number of counter movements with his composure and combative approach.
Pablo Hernandez: 7
The decorated Spanish winger delivered a much improved performance. Broke into the opposition area repeatedly and created opportunities for the attackers. Earned a standing ovation while leaving the pitch towards the end following another stellar performance.
Hadi Sacko: 6.5
The agile winger was tricky with his pace, dribbling and threatening crosses. Lacked end product and was worn out in second half before being replaced by Kemar Roofe with 20 minutes remaining.
Souleymane Doukara: 5
A tactical move from Garry Monk who handed Doukara a start over Stuart Dallas to bring on physicality upfront alongside Chris Wood. But the attacker had a miserable afternoon who cost his side a penalty for an apparent pull on Sam Hutchinson which was saved by Rob Green.
Chris Wood: 8
The New Zealand international has shown once more why he has been Leeds’ player of the season so far. He scored the only goal of the game from Berardi’s cross in order to become the joint highest scorer of Championship.
Substitutes
Kemar Roofe: 6
A like for like change who brought in similar impact of Sacko with his pace, dribbling and runs through the right hand flank. Had an opportunity to double the lead but his effort was palmed away.
Ronaldo Vieira: 6
The highly rated teenager was brought in place of O’Kane with 8 minutes remaining. He did exactly what he was told to and shielded his defence well.
Stuart Dallas: NA
Did too little to warrant a rating. Was penalised for a handball.
