Sheffield Wednesday relentless but still come up short against Southampton
HENRIK PEDERSEN said Sheffield Wednesday gave everything they had against “the strongest squad in the league” in the shape of victorious visitors Soputhampton.
Goals from Saints defenders James Bree, Ryan Manning and Taylor Harwood-Bellis were enough to give Tonda Eckert’s team all three points, with Jerry Yates’ first goal for the Owls proving to be just a consolation.
In what was Wednesday’s first match at home since relegation was confirmed at Bramall Lane after defeat in the Steel City derby, the League One-bound hosts showed spirit to keep themselves in the game but ultimately, the Saints’ quality proved too much to handle.
“The boys played a strong game today against the strongest squad in the league,” said Pedersen. “They have so much individual quality but I think we started the game well.
“This was our third game in six days and the boys were tired after getting back late from Norwich in midweek but we still wanted to press high.
"I feel Southampton didn’t create much in the first half so it’s sad we conceded from the set-pieces.
“In the second half, we changed some things. Our press was even higher up and more aggressive. We really gave it a go and we showed big heart and big intensity and we scored a good goal.
“Our reaction after the third goal shows the mentality in the boys. They kept on going and we created chances, we showed a lot of positive things.
“Of course it’s disappointing to concede three set-pieces because I feel we competed so well in open play. Against a team like Southampton, everything has to be perfect.
“The atmosphere in the stadium today was absolutely amazing. The fans did not stop supporting the players and we could feel the positivity on the pitch. It gave them all such a big lift.
“We know we are relegated but we are still here to win games and we are here to give our fans good performances. We want to get back on to positive points.
“I said to the players, ‘I hate losing these football games but I’m so proud of you’. They gave everything they have which I have said a lot this season.”
Sheffield Wednesday: Dieng, Iorfa (Emery 80), Otegbayo, Palmer, Chalobah (Thornton 46), Fusire (Grainger 90), McNeill, Ingelsson, Adaramola, Yates, Jamal Lowe (Ndala 80). Unused substitutes: Stretch, McGhee, Johnson, Nakamba, Moses.
Southampton: Peretz, Bree (Wood-Gordon 74), Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning, Charles, Bragg (Romeu 89), Matsuki (Fellows 81), Azaz, Scienza (Edozie 81), Larin (Archer 74). Unused substitutes: Long, Quarshie, Jelert, Downes.
Referee: Gavin Ward (Surrey).