Sheffield Wednesday fans were left frustrated after a narrow 1-0 defeat in the Steel City derby against Sheffield United, with some pointing to preventable mistakes as key factors in the loss. Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman voiced similar frustrations, zeroing in on specific moments in the match that he felt were costly for the Owls. The game was decided by a 50th-minute goal from Tyrese Campbell at Bramall Lane, which marked a turning point and set Sheffield United on course for victory.
With this loss now behind them, Sheffield Wednesday and manager Danny Rohl will shift their focus to the upcoming match against Cardiff City at Hillsborough in late November. Rohl will also be preparing for an intensive stretch of games leading up to March, when the season’s second Steel City derby will take place, this time on Sheffield Wednesday’s home turf. The Owls will be eager for a shot at redemption, but it’s clear they will need to improve their performance in high-pressure moments if they want to take revenge against their rivals.
Criticism from fans was particularly aimed at goalkeeper James Beadle, who allowed Campbell’s goal after what was described as an all-too-easily executed and finished play. However, Goodman directed his frustration at Max Lowe, the 27-year-old Sheffield Wednesday defender, who had joined the team after a strong run of form. In the 52nd minute, just after the team had conceded, Lowe gave away a free-kick that Goodman deemed “stupid.” With Wednesday already on the back foot following the goal, Goodman remarked that the team appeared “rattled” and that Lowe’s unnecessary foul only increased the pressure on them.
Reflecting on Sheffield Wednesday’s notorious set-piece struggles, Goodman highlighted the impact of Lowe’s foul. The Owls have struggled to defend set pieces throughout the season, leading to the hiring of Ben King as a dedicated set-pieces coach. Despite this, they still hold the Championship’s worst set-piece record, having conceded 10 goals from these situations—three more than any other team. Given this history, Goodman’s criticism of Lowe’s challenge, close to the Owls’ penalty box, was particularly pointed.
While Lowe wasn’t alone in conceding fouls, Goodman underscored that set-pieces remain a significant vulnerability for Sheffield Wednesday. In a derby match, occasional fouls are expected, but needless ones near the goal area only worsen the team’s chances. For the Owls to turn their season around, reducing these avoidable fouls and tightening their set-piece defense will be crucial.
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