Michael Smith was the hero once again as Sheffield Wednesday secured a very rare away win at Swansea City.
The Owls striker came off the bench to grab what would be the winning goal in Swansea, giving Wednesday their first victory in the Swans’ backyard since way back in 1983 – before any of the current squad were alive.
There was some late drama as the hosts thought they’d grabbed a last-gasp equaliser, however it was ruled out just before the final whistle and Danny Röhl’s side took all three points. They’re now eighth in the Championship.
Here’s how we rated the players on a brilliant night in Wales:
1. James Beadle – 7
A spectator in the first half, he stooped sharply to prevent Peart-Harris from opening the scoring early in the second half. Claimed the ball late on when it was most needed and slowed things down to good effect. Mixed his distribution nicely.
2. Yan Valery – 8
Drove well from defence and made some important defensive interventions – not least with his head, with which he won more aerial duels than anyone else on the pitch. Offered plenty in both directions – looks a really quality player on nights like that.
3. Michael Ihiekwe – 8
A couple of big headers early doors, marshalled it well. Kept in simple in possession and moved it wisely. Marshalled things akin to a wise colonel.
4. Max Lowe – 8
There in important moments on more than one occasion. He’s got a sense for danger and remains Wednesday’s most consistent performer. Cooler than a polar bear’s pantry.
5. Marvin Johnson – 7
Back in the line-up and entrusted to hold up the left. Offered an out ball and did his job without the ball with no fuss whatsoever. Got harsh criticism off the back of the West Brom defeat – looks set to stake his claim for his place back.
6. Shea Charles – 8
Pushed the ball around nicely and retained it in some difficult moments. Lung-busting box-to-box runs weren’t on the menu so much first half with the tweak to the set-up but performed his role maturely – stupidly calm on the ball and showed more and more of moments of quality as the game rolled on. Won foul after foul to break any threat of Swansea momentum, set piece delivery excellent.
7. Svante Ingelsson – 7
Part of a couple of dangerous-looking attacks in the first half and offered legs. Turned once or twice when Swansea built momentum and gave away the odd foul but offered combat out of possession, wrapping his legs around a couple of tackles. A good, strong shift.
8. Callum Paterson – 6
Kept high up the pitch for the most part and served as a regular outlet when Wednesday looked to go more direct. Bundled, harried, wore the expression of a bear with a stubbed toe. It wasn’t always the prettiest performance but it was an important one to play before Smith’s introduction.
9. Josh Windass – 8
Played a different role, dropping in deep and driving behind the front men. Popped up with danger on the right on occasion and had the bulk of Wednesday’s chances. Neither an easy opportunity but perhaps should have tested the keeper – but sparked into action second dig, pouncing to break and punish a Swansea error and fizz it into the instep of goalscorer Smith. On another day he has a hat-trick, but he was excellent and played with a driving leadership.
10. Djeidi Gassama – 6
Gave away a couple of needless fouls early doors. Showed heart in battling off the ball and willing with it. Not his most devastating recent performance but showed huge fast-feet quality. In the wars throughout – these are grittier efforts we weren’t necessarily seeing from him a few months back.
11. Iké Ugbo – 7
At the heart of one of Wednesday best first half chances, winning the ball high and laying off for Windass. Produced some nice touches and caused problems with his running, didn’t get a chance to pull the trigger. Off just before the hour for Smith.
12. Michael Smith – 8
On just before the hour to offer a different central option. Just continues to make that impact from the bench again and again – a fine finish from Windass’ cross. Having a remarkable season.
13. Stuart Armstrong – 7
On with Smith just before the hour. Got involved straight away, testing Vigouroux with a half volley from range. Offered quality and settled things down nicely.
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