Leeds United had a flying start of their 2017-18 Championship campaign under Thomas Christiansen but suffered two defeats in previous three league outings and their last gameweek defeat against Cardiff City dislodged them from the top of the table spot. Their Sunday trip to Hillsborough was a tricky encounter against Carlos Carvalhal’s Sheffield Wednesday who despite being a promotion favourites this term, have struggled to find momentum so far and were humbled by bitter rivals Sheffield United followed by a 1-0 defeat against Birmingham City on Wednesday night.
A win was required for both of these promising outfits to get back to winning ways and achieve their season objective of earning a Premier League promotion. The outing, however, proved to be a one-sided affair as the hosts secured a comfortable 3-0 win to end their barren run.
Below are the Sheffield Wednesday players rated from their win against the Peacocks.
Joe Wildsmith: 8
The young custodian started his second successive game in place of injured Keiren Westwood and did a commendable job between the sticks by stopping Lasogga’s effort in the closing seconds of the first half. Denied Samuel Saiz at the near post in the middle of the second half and earned a well-deserved clean-sheet for his side.
Jack Hunt: 6.5
Hunt started the game brightly and made some purposeful movements down the right-hand flank by linking up with Wallace. But was forced to leave the pitch around 38th-minute mark with an injury and was replaced by Liam Palmer.
Tom Lees: 8
Did exceptionally well to contain Lasogga upfront in most occasions, won a number of duels and made a few crucial clearances. Also, headed the ball down into the path of Gary Hooper who slotted home from close range to earn the Owls an early lead.
Joost Van Aken: 7
The Dutchman had a decent outing alongside Lees as he kept on making crucial blocks, clearances, and interceptions. Impressed with his passing skills as well.
Adam Reach: 8
Kept on troubling the visitors with his forward runs and whipped in few sublime crosses and long balls for the attackers. Also performed his defensive responsibilities as he impressed with his tackling, clearances and intercepting traits.
Ross Wallace: 7
Kept on troubling Leeds’ defence with his set-pieces, tested the keeper with long-range efforts and delivered some key crosses inside the box.
David Jones: 6.5
Mostly concentrated on holding possession in midfield. Broke down a few Leeds United moves in the middle of the park and impressed with his passing skills.
Kieran Lee: 8.5
Lee was exceptional throughout the game. Kept on making forward runs and creating space up front for the attackers and cleared off the line to deny Pontus Jansson in the second half. Found the back of the net with a volleyed effort after picking up a loose pass from Eunan O’Kane.
Barry Bannan: 7.5
Bannan kept on making attacking contribution from the very beginning of the game and created a number of quality opportunities up front. Came close to making it to the score-sheet but his effort struck the post. Was replaced by Jacob Butterfield in the closing minutes of the game.
Steven Fletcher: 7.5
Fletcher came close to hitting the back of the net but lacked accuracy. However, he was decent this afternoon as he kept on troubling the Leeds United back-line with his movements inside the box. Assisted Gary Hooper for his second of the game with a headed pass across the goal. Was taken off in the closing seconds to be replaced by Jordan Rhodes.
Garry Hooper: 9
Hooper continues his scoring run with a first-half brace. Was close to netting a hat-trick but denied by Leeds custodian Wiedwald in the second half.
Substitutes
Liam Palmer: 7
Came in place of injured Hunt and contributed in the Owls second of the afternoon minutes after his introduction.
Jacob Butterfield: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Jordan Rhodes: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
