28-10-2015, 14:13
Watching Wednesday lose at Exeter, Doncaster & Bury, you sometimes ask the question, "Why do I give so much of my time and money to Sheffield Wednesday?"
Nights like this are the payoff for years of watching rubbish players losing to rubbish teams.
The atmosphere was crackling and even before kick off, you felt that maybe it could be a special night. Already bereft of Westwood, Turner, Matias, Lopez & Sougou, CC went for pretty much his strongest team. Arsenal rested Sanchez & Cazorla but still fielded a team with over 400 International caps.
The first 25 minutes were pretty much a non-event in terms of goal mouth action but it allowed us to grow into the match & build our confidence. The opening goal was the first chance of the game and was beautifully worked with Joao & Bannan setting Pudil clear down the left. He picked out Wallace perfectly, who drilled it in from 18 yards.
The celebrations were amazing and it wasn't long before we were celebrating again. Helan took on the entire Arsenal defence, running from the half way line and was only thwarted by a smart save by Cech, low to his right. However, from the corner it was 2-0. Bannan cut the ball back to Wallace, who curled it in and Joao headed home. It looked so simple but relied on an excellent ball by Wallace and Joao's ability to lose his man then hit the target. Cue more celebrations!
The expected Arsenal pressure at the beginning of the second half just didn't materialise as Hutchinson, Bannan, Helan & Lee controlled midfield for Wednesday. Sure, Arsenal had plenty of possession but they were creating nothing and we looked the more likely scorers.
The third goal came from a free kick. Bannan beautifully picked out Lees beyond the far post, who sidefoot volleyed it across the six yard box for Hutchinson to bundle it in at the far post. Well worked, super technique from Lees and great desire from Hutchinson.
After that, it was a question of seeing the match out. Arsenal's only effort of note was a Mertesacker header which Wildsmith tipped behind. Our back four were forced into action a couple of times late on as our midfield tired but Lees twice put in saving tackles and Helan made a couple of blocks.
Wildsmith - 7 - only one save to make but controlled his box
Hunt - 7 - rarely under threat
Lees - 9 - giant and set up third goal
Loovens - 8 - looking back to his best
Pudil - 8 - ran himself to a stand still, set up first goal
Hutchinson - 10 - best player on the pitch, ran midfield & scored a goal, maybe lucky with first half tackle
Lee - 8 - did a tidy job linking play, never looked out of his depth
Bannan - 9 - ran himself to a stop, involved in all three goals
Wallace - 9 - scored one & made one
Helan - 8 - best game for Wednesday, filled gaps well and attacked with pace. Maybe he can make it with proper coaching
Joao - 9 - looked a threat against an international back four, scored one & close with another
.................................................................................
Full marks to CC. He worked out a plan & his players executed it pretty much perfectly. Picking Helan ahead of more obvious choices was genius as is his favouring of Joao over Nuhiu. Hutchinson, Bannan & Lee is a formidable CM unit because of their high energy levels and ability to attack & defend as a unit. This meant that our defence were rarely under serious threat until the final few minutes even with Giroud around.
A glorious night, as good as any I can remember at S6 - a reward for the loyal fans that have been there week in, week out. Hopefully some of the fans that don't normally go will be turned on enough by last night to be there again to support us against Forest.
CC does have to decide when to rest some of his players & probably needs to rest some on Saturday and others next Tuesday to maximise our chances of winning each match. Bannan, Hutchinson & Pudil were all out on their feet last night while Lee, Wallace & Hunt were blowing hard. He will have to decide who to rest and who have to go again although Hutchinson will get a two game enforced rest after his next yellow card.
Let's hope for more nights like this!
Nights like this are the payoff for years of watching rubbish players losing to rubbish teams.
The atmosphere was crackling and even before kick off, you felt that maybe it could be a special night. Already bereft of Westwood, Turner, Matias, Lopez & Sougou, CC went for pretty much his strongest team. Arsenal rested Sanchez & Cazorla but still fielded a team with over 400 International caps.
The first 25 minutes were pretty much a non-event in terms of goal mouth action but it allowed us to grow into the match & build our confidence. The opening goal was the first chance of the game and was beautifully worked with Joao & Bannan setting Pudil clear down the left. He picked out Wallace perfectly, who drilled it in from 18 yards.
The celebrations were amazing and it wasn't long before we were celebrating again. Helan took on the entire Arsenal defence, running from the half way line and was only thwarted by a smart save by Cech, low to his right. However, from the corner it was 2-0. Bannan cut the ball back to Wallace, who curled it in and Joao headed home. It looked so simple but relied on an excellent ball by Wallace and Joao's ability to lose his man then hit the target. Cue more celebrations!
The expected Arsenal pressure at the beginning of the second half just didn't materialise as Hutchinson, Bannan, Helan & Lee controlled midfield for Wednesday. Sure, Arsenal had plenty of possession but they were creating nothing and we looked the more likely scorers.
The third goal came from a free kick. Bannan beautifully picked out Lees beyond the far post, who sidefoot volleyed it across the six yard box for Hutchinson to bundle it in at the far post. Well worked, super technique from Lees and great desire from Hutchinson.
After that, it was a question of seeing the match out. Arsenal's only effort of note was a Mertesacker header which Wildsmith tipped behind. Our back four were forced into action a couple of times late on as our midfield tired but Lees twice put in saving tackles and Helan made a couple of blocks.
Wildsmith - 7 - only one save to make but controlled his box
Hunt - 7 - rarely under threat
Lees - 9 - giant and set up third goal
Loovens - 8 - looking back to his best
Pudil - 8 - ran himself to a stand still, set up first goal
Hutchinson - 10 - best player on the pitch, ran midfield & scored a goal, maybe lucky with first half tackle
Lee - 8 - did a tidy job linking play, never looked out of his depth
Bannan - 9 - ran himself to a stop, involved in all three goals
Wallace - 9 - scored one & made one
Helan - 8 - best game for Wednesday, filled gaps well and attacked with pace. Maybe he can make it with proper coaching
Joao - 9 - looked a threat against an international back four, scored one & close with another
.................................................................................
Full marks to CC. He worked out a plan & his players executed it pretty much perfectly. Picking Helan ahead of more obvious choices was genius as is his favouring of Joao over Nuhiu. Hutchinson, Bannan & Lee is a formidable CM unit because of their high energy levels and ability to attack & defend as a unit. This meant that our defence were rarely under serious threat until the final few minutes even with Giroud around.
A glorious night, as good as any I can remember at S6 - a reward for the loyal fans that have been there week in, week out. Hopefully some of the fans that don't normally go will be turned on enough by last night to be there again to support us against Forest.
CC does have to decide when to rest some of his players & probably needs to rest some on Saturday and others next Tuesday to maximise our chances of winning each match. Bannan, Hutchinson & Pudil were all out on their feet last night while Lee, Wallace & Hunt were blowing hard. He will have to decide who to rest and who have to go again although Hutchinson will get a two game enforced rest after his next yellow card.
Let's hope for more nights like this!
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
