Sheffield Wednesday look condemned to League One football following Swansea’s 2-0 win at Hillsborough

Defensive errors seem to be the damning curse for the Owls as Tom Lees’ 30^th minute slip handed Steve Cooper’s side an undeserved lead, then followed Connor Roberts’ first touch creating the second goal for Swansea, dampening Sheffield Wednesday’s misfortune.

The 1st goal conceded was solely down to individual error. Bannan in trouble passed back to Lees who failed to control the ball and was outpaced & out-muscled by Ayew. It was then 2 Vs. 1 against Hutchinson inside the box which was easily finished with a quick pass to Lowe. #SWFC pic.twitter.com/RUZUYVuwJR

— Owls Analytics (@AnalyticsOwls) April 13, 2021

The arrival of Darren Moore at Hillsborough provided a sense of light in what is a dark time for the club, bringing his three at the back formation with the hopes of resolving the persistent defensive woes. However, with a lack of consistency Wednesday suffered yet another defeat.

Maintaining confidence is something every relegation threatened club needs and despite starting extremely well, the Owls’ heads started to drop after Lees’ calamitous mistake. The Swansea number ten, Andre Ayew, pressured the defender into giving away possession, thus leaving Wednesday exposed at the back – allowing for Ayew to slot in Jamal Lowe who made no mistake of putting the ball in the back of the net.

Prior to going a goal down, Moore’s men played with a stride in their step, creating positive link-up play and working for each other. You’d be correct to say that Wednesday didn’t deserve to concede how they did. Just minutes before, Joey Pelupessy forced Freddie Woodman into an acrobatic save as his strike looked set for the top right corner.

Going into the break with dropped heads and a goal down, it was always going to be an uphill battle for Moore.

It took the visitors until the 74^th minute to double their lead, Connor Roberts’ first touch of the game ended up as an assist for the Welshman who crossed in a delightful ball towards Jay Fulton at the back post. Fulton nodded his chance into the back of the net past Keiren Westwood, leaving the keeper with no chance.

The 2nd goal conceded was well worked by Swansea. A long ball down the left side drew defenders out of position which meant that Bannan was left to pick up a runner into the box. Allowing a great cross in by Roberts meant that Fulton only had to beat BB in the air to score. #SWFC pic.twitter.com/LbdwiFuW3c

— Owls Analytics (@AnalyticsOwls) April 13, 2021

The second half didn’t provide too much in the favour of Wednesday apart from a sole notable chance which came via a Liam Palmer cross, who beat the on-rushing Swans defender to the ball, crossing in towards Callum Patterson, however, a turquoise shirt got to the ball before the EFL veteran could.

Just eight miles down the road, local rivals Rotherham United beat Queens Park Rangers by three goals to one, making matters worse for the Owls.

Five games remain of the league campaign and that day looks to be coming sooner rather than later at Hillsborough which will see Wednesday drop down to England’s third division for the first time since 2012.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt