Wigan 3-2 Sheffield Wednesday: How the players rated

Sheffield Wednesday

Dawson 6

Selected ahead of Joe Wildsmith and Kieren Westwood, the Sheffield-born goalkeeper had little chance with either goal in the first half after being left exposed. Denied Massey with two smart saves after the break.

Lees 6

Should be playing in the middle of the back three as he is the most commanding of Wednesday’s three centre halves but, instead, found himself on the right. Typically resolute but couldn’t cut out cross for opener.

Van Aken 5

Needed to do better in helping Owls clear their lines for both first half goals. Simply not commanding enough and substituted moments after Wigan went 3-1 ahead.

Pudil 6

Playing on the left side of a back three, the Czech Republic international tried to get forward from time to time. Defensively, however, Massey had the better of him.

Palmer 6

Caught out of position for the opener, having just had a shot blocked on the edge of the Wigan area. Robinson’s speedy break meant he had no chance of getting back. Fired wildly over when well placed 12 minutes from time.

Hutchinson 5

Played in an advanced role for an hour but this simply didn’t play to his strengths. Tempting to believe had Hutchinson been deeper that Jacobs would have been under far more pressure when scoring his first half double. Put into the back three after van Akens subbed.

Pelupessy 5

Little impact on proceedings in the centre of the field, as the game largely passed him by. Had great chance to put Joao away in final ten minutes but his pass was poor and allowed defender to get back and clear to just about sum up his afternoon. Substituted.

Bannan 6

Brave block denied James early on. Always available for a pass when a team-mate had possession but was far too deep to make the best use of his skills. Dreadfully loose pass gifted Wigan possession in build-up to third goal.

Reach 6

Dangerous delivery early on from the wideman, most notably when providing the cross that led to Nuhiu’s equaliser. His influence then waned for a period but the one-time record signing was involved in Wednesday’s second with a pass to Joao.

Forestieri 7

Always looking to make something happen, be it having an attempt on goal or slip in a team-mate. Typically clinical finish midway through the second half but needed more support.

Nuhiu 6

Started slowly and failed to capitalise on a couple of great early crosses from Reach but showed great persistence to equalise for the Owls from close range after two earlier efforts had been blocked. Sent off for second yellow card on 90 minutes after the last inaa series of clashes with Dunkley.

Substitutes

Joao (for Van Aken 60) 7

Lovely play to create Forestieri’s goal midway through the second half. Brought more threat to the attack.

Fletcher (for Pelupessy 87) -

Had late chance but was offside when Walton saved.