Sheff Wednesday Player Ratings vs Aston Villa: Here’s how the Owls fared
Second half strikes from forwards Marco Matias and Steven Fletcher helped Sheffield Wednesday defeat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday.
Marco Matias had earlier fired Sheffield Wednesday in front from the edge of the box, four minutes into the second half.
John McGinn levelled for Villa with an incredible volley but it was Wednesday who found the winner through Steven Fletcher, the striker heading home to inflict a first home defeat of the season on Villa.
Sheffield Wednesday Player Ratings
Cameron Dawson – 7/10
Dawson was generally a spectator in the exciting first half. Commanded his box well and made some routine catches but had absolutely no chance to save McGinn’s stunner.
Tom Lees – 8/10
Lees led the team by example. Made a series of vital interceptions and blocks to keep Villa at bay. Looked composed in possession and was rock solid at the back.
Michael Hector – 7/10
Hector impressed in his first Wednesday start of the season, helping his fellow defenders keep out the Villa attackers.
Daniel Pudil – 7/10
Strong in the tackle and powerful in the air, Pudil used his experience very well to restrict Villa to very few opportunities.
Ash Baker – 5/10
Not an exciting performance from Baker, who was caught out of position at times. His distribution was sub-par and was cautioned in the first half for toppling Alan Hutton.
Joey Pelupessy – 8/10
Pelupessy worked diligently in the midfield, enabling Wednesday’s creative players to take the centre stage at Villa Park.
Barry Bannan – 7/10
Bannan picked up the pockets of spaces behind the Villa defence. Always demanded the ball to create things. He was an energetic presence in the midfield.
Adam Reach – 8/10
Reach played a crucial role in Matias’ opening goal. Worked his socks off. A top display!
Matt Penney – 7/10
Penney always made himself available for a pass. He bombed forward at every opportunity he got and also completed his defensive duties. Proved to be a good attacking outlet for the Owls.
Marco Matias – 9/10
Matias scored his third goal of the campaign with an exquisite finish. He held the ball up very well, made some really good runs in the box and gave a tough time to Villa defenders.
Steven Fletcher – 8/10
Fletcher scored a peach of a header in what turned out to be the winner for the Owls. His first half overhead kick attempt went inches off target. Worked tirelessly and held the ball up pretty well.
Substitutes
Atdhe Nuhiu – 5/10
The big forward was a menace on the counter-attack in the final stages of the game.
Read more: Sheffield Wednesday holding onto their 28-year-old star could boost their promotion chances
Lucas Joao – N/A
Joao didn’t have much time to make an impact.