Sheffield Wednesday’s strengths and weaknesses laid bare as Millwall draw emphasises importance of ambition
A touching moment in the 42nd minute of Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Millwall was enough to soften even
the hardest of exteriors.
A forward who lacked confidence in front of goal, Ike Ugbo, shot a penalty over the crossbar and instantly cut a
sorrowful figure.
As Yan Valery and Anthony Musaba encouraged him, Barry Bannan actually hauled him up in a matter of seconds.
Wednesday’s imperfect nature was on full display against the Lions, yet there are clear fundamentals on which to
build – team spirit being one.
The Owls created more than enough chances to win the game—and win it handily—so it wasn’t the only attribute on exhibit.
Danny Rohl, manager of the Owls, said after the game, “I think I’m a little bit down.” I was particularly happy with
the offensive play tonight because we created a lot of chances against a pretty well-organised opposition, which is
great to see.
But this is clearly unsatisfactory when we consider the other factors. After watching the full game, I’m more
disappointed than happy, even though you make the point in the end. That’s football, but I believe we had a lot more
to gain today.
In an attempt to make up for his missed penalty, Ugbo flashed a shot over the goal.
Valey had handed the Owls a superb lead in the sixth minute, but Hillsborough’s anxiety grew with every
missed opportunity to double the lead.
They had good reason to do so because the home team’s wastefulness was finally penalised by Millwall.
George Honeyman prodded home from close range after Wednesday was unable to handle a standard
deep free-kick delivery.
After Romain Esse was rejected, Ryan Wintle bundled home a second later, perhaps punishing the Owls
severely for their failures.
The Hillsborough supporters generally agree that January offers the leadership a chance to demonstrate
their level of desire, and Rohl has urged for his ranks to be strengthened.
Rohl needs to be equipped to go forward and challenge for promotion if that is the true goal. Money will
speak.
After disappointing results, managers usually cite “positive signs”; in fact, the phrase is used almost as
often as “we go again” and “the fans were great.”
But Wednesday needs to pay special attention to the warning indications before the time closes. If they
ignore them, haphazard defence and a lack of creativity might be the Owls’ downfall.
Wednesday’s defensive concerns were not helped by the forced withdrawals of Valery and Dominic Iorfa.
“Hopefully he is okay,” said Rohl regarding Valery. “I think it helps now that we have 15 games until the
next (league) game, that could be helpful for us to refresh our batteries and reload. The cup game and the
next few days are really about recovery.
Managers regularly point to ‘positive signs’ in the aftermath of frustrating results, in fact it is a phrase
tossed around almost as frequently as ‘we go again’ and ‘the fans were great’.
However, it is the negative signs Wednesday must scrutinise closely before the window slams shut.
Haphazard defending and a lack of cutting edge may just derail the Owls if they fail to address them.
Wednesday’s defensive concerns were not helped by the forced withdrawals of Valery and Dominic Iorfa.
“Hopefully he is okay,” said Rohl regarding Valery. “I think it helps now that we have 15 games until the
next (league) game, that could be helpful for us to refresh our batteries and reload. The cup game and the
next few days are really about recovery.
Millwall: Jensen, Leonard, Tanganga, Wallace, Bryan; De Norre (Langstaff 86), Saville (Wintle 78); Esse, Honeyman, Azeez; Ivanovic (Hutchinson 89).
Unused substitutes: Roberts, Harding, Kelly, Mitchell, Mayor, Bradshaw.
Referee: Robert Jones (Merseyside)
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