“Heebie-jeebies” “Really sloppy” Sheffield Wednesday player ratings in Mansfield Town penalty defeat
Alex Miller
·4-min read
Looked really confident with his feet and saved comfortably when called upon on a relatively quiet night in terms of shots on target. Undone by an excellent Oates finish but made a good save in the shootout. Will be interesting to see if he holds his place in the team.
A 1-1 draw against League Two opposition, a late goal, a penalty shootout. While the key factors were similar to the Stockport County outing, the performance was far improved - in the first 45 at least. Ultimately, it counted for nothing.
Xisco is awaiting his first win as Wednesday boss and his first clean sheet. It has been a nightmareish start to the season.
It was a bizarre game dotted with really promising first half performances. That the Owls couldn’t sustain it is concerning as are slowly recurring themes; the concession of late goals, missed chances, defensive sloppiness and a failure to put 90 minutes together.
The return of the Iorfa gallop was a sight to behold but a couple of defensive lapses - one with his head and one mis-step - which led to two good Mansfield chances.
Here are our player ratings after another frustrating evening for Sheffield Wednesday.
Made a couple of understated but important interceptions and read the game nicely, using his body well to stop a couple of half-chances for Mansfield to create something. Forced an excellent save from his head early in the second half.
Defended hard and won some key aerial battles. Passing radar was a little off in stages of the first half but he sharpened up on the ball as the game went on. Made one recovery tackle of huge importance from his own slip. An odd one - good in moments, sloppy otherwise.
Continues his pre-season catch-up. Crossed well for Paterson in the first few minutes. Miles improved on his Stockport outing and in the first half twinned-up particularly nicely with Windass down the right. Slowed-up as the game progressed. He’s certainly got a turn of pace and showed it with a couple of dribbles.
Drove well from midfield and gave impetus in moments, making a couple of strong defensive interventions and had plenty of the ball, pushing it about nicely in a performance with lots to like. Off late. A renaissance project.
Kept things ticking and unleashed some Hollywood balls of massive quality to create a couple of attacks from nothing. Ran the game in the first half but like all others, his influence dimmed.
Straight into it, taking on a blocked shot an did well early doors to open up a chance for Fletcher. Did well in the build-up to Musaba’s goal and smashed the bar on the stroke of half-time Took on plenty of shots and looked back to his confident, sassy best in moment but like others, his influence slowed a touch along with Wednesday’s progress. Good pen.
Stationed at left-wing back as he continued his mission to play 100 games in every position. Headed on target early doors. Got well up the field as much as possible and grabbed an assist for Musaba. He’s been excellent this season. Off for a rest after the hour.
Gave Mansfield the heebie-jeebies with his pace right from the get-go and grabbed his first Owls goal to boot. Put ball carrying ability on the pitch and together with Windass set about the defence in the first half. Contribution dipped as Mansfield came on in the second half ad came off.
Looked devoid of confidence early on, fudging two decent opportunities within the first 10 minutes, but did the scrappy yards and worked hard. Was caught offside to end what looked to be a promising opportunity early in the second half. Taken off with 20 remaining.
On for Paterson on 64 minutes to slot in at left wing-back. Moved smartly to retain possession on a couple of occasions but failed to inject anything ging forward.
On in place of Fletcher with 20 left. Didn’t get much to work with up top in a cameo appearance as Wednesday faded but took his penalty with supreme confidence.
On in place of Musaba with 20 left. Dipped in and popped it about but couldn’t help sustain any momentum. Took his penalty very well once again.
On with 10 minutes to run in place of Bakinson. Played a part in Mansfield’s equaliser and missed his pen.
On with 10 minutes to go in place of Valentin. Saw his penalty saved as Wednesday fell out of the Carabao Cup.
Josh Windass takes on a cross in their cup clash with Mansfield Town. Pic: Steve Ellis
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