Sheffield Wednesday suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Championship, losing 3-1 at home to Preston North End on Wednesday evening. Supporters were critical of Liam Palmer, Dominic Iorfa and Alessio Da Cruz’s performance on social media, but Atdhe Nuhiu also came in for criticism for his showing at Hillsborough.
What a pathetic performance so far. Changes need to be made at half time. What a surprise Nuhiu does nothing when he starts a game.
— John Paul (@Owl4Life23) July 8, 2020
Personally I feel like a big big clearout is needed. Players like bannan, lees, Lee, nuhiu and westwood have been at the club for many years and have passed their “peak” and are beginning their decline in their career.
— Archie🦉 (@swfcAW) July 9, 2020
https://twitter.com/JackWLA/status/1280940189238677505?s=20
That was pretty insipid stuff in the first half by #swfc. There’s no guile, no creativity. That happens when Nuhiu is up front from the start, game plan is just get it forward to him. Very basic stuff – poor stuff frankly
— Peter Dadswell (@Dadders) July 8, 2020
If Nuhiu gets a new contract my season ticket won’t be getting renewed #swfc
— callum (@_carmstrong) July 8, 2020
Watching Nuhiu and pelupessy for 97 minutes is like swallowing nails #swfc #swfclive #wawaw
— bobbert🦉 (@bobbertSWFC) July 8, 2020
Bloody hell, it’s hard supporting this club sometimes. Why didn’t Rhodes at least come on? Nuhiu, Monk and Chansiri can all do one – I’m sick of them all. #swfc https://t.co/n0qNO5HBoQ
— John H (@JohnHiley) July 8, 2020
Nuhiu when playing full game frequently comes chasing the ball.This basic problem means he is very rarely able to attack the ball from goalkicks. I think these last few games probably will be his last. He is a big unit but does not use his biggest positive which is his size #swfc
— Love Sheffield Wednesday lots and lots (@SheffieldGrad) July 9, 2020
Love big Dave but ineffective until everyone slows down a bit
— Richard Woodhall (@rich_woodhall) July 9, 2020
Against Preston, Nuhiu played for 90 minutes, had 44 touches, won eight aerial duels, completed 65.7% of his 35 passes, created one chance which led to a goal, had two shots without hitting the target, had a 100% record from long balls, played one through ball, gave away one foul and won two free-kicks.
The £360k-rated striker pulled off an impressive backheel to assist Jacob Murphy’s opening goal on Wednesday, but he’s not been prolific enough this season. Nuhiu has scored just four goals in 37 games in 2019/20 and only recently ended a six-month goal drought with an effort in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Swansea City.
The 30-year-old has made 273 appearances in all competitions since joining the Owls on a free transfer from Rapid Vienna in 2013, scoring 48 goals with 27 assists. His contract is up at the end of the revised season and may not be renewed. A lot of fans seem to be over Nuhiu, so time will tell.