Barry Bannan came away with credit from some supporters despite Sheffield Wednesday being knocked out of the FA Cup Fifth Round at the hands of Manchester City.
The 30-year-old started alongside Joey Pelupessy and Kieran Lee at the heart of the midfield on Wednesday night and fared well despite coming up against superior opposition.
No Owls player made more passes, created more chances, whipped in as many accurate crosses and had more successful dribbles than Bannan.
The Scottish international pulled off an impressing nutmeg on Bernado Silva which went viral on social media and was called “an incredible player” by Pep Guardiola.
I would agree with some of that usually but tonight he was brilliant
— Julley🦉🏴🇬🇧 (@Swfc_Jack) March 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/AndrewClayton93/status/1235500593235537920?s=20
https://twitter.com/Jay24442929/status/1235506261116039168?s=20
Don't get the negativity towards Bannan tonight. Thought he played well tonight #SWFC
— Julley🦉🏴🇬🇧 (@Swfc_Jack) March 4, 2020
Ran the show for us. Only player who could carry the ball
— Al Maplo 🦉 (@Maplo16) March 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/OwlAston/status/1235337065430163457?s=20
Cant fault the teams effort and commitment tonight, that's all you can ask as a fan. Didn't get turned over as many feared. Bannan, Iorfa and Wildsmith stand out 3 for me. 👏 Worrying just how nakered we were by full time though ahead of Saturday. 🌬️ #swfc #wawaw
— Daniel Gardiner (@gardiner1985) March 4, 2020
The only players from last night who could come close to holding their own in the premier league are: Fox, Iorfa, Bannan (maybe Fessi too). There is a lot of work to do in the summer #swfc
— TweetToWho (@AnOwlTweets) March 5, 2020
Against City, Bannan had 55 touches, created one chance, completed 77.4% of his 31 passes, whipped in two crosses with 50% accuracy, found a teammate with three of his five long balls (60%), made two tackles, blocked one shot, made four interceptions, had two successful dribbles and made one clearance.
The 30-year-old has made 36 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating nine goals. Bannan had been playing through pain, but he’ll be key for Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Brentford. Fans will no doubt hope he can deliver another standout performance.