Sheffield Wednesday hosted Ipswich Town at Hillsborough over the weekend and Lucas Joao’s solo show in front of the opposition’s goal returned all three points to us as we registered back to back wins in the week.
Hopes had been high at making it six points from six following the midweek win over Millwall, and Joao’s brace ensured just that after we failed to win in our first three attempts in the Championship season of 2018/19.
Ipswich did hit back through Toto Nsiala to level the scores up at one apiece, but once he saw red for a hefty challenge on Fernando Forestieri, we were worthy winners in the end, edging the telling stats and Joao also struck the woodwork so the scoreline may potentially have been bigger.
Taking to social media following the game a few fans were torn on whether Ipswich deserved the red card, albeit acknowledging it obviously helped us get our noses in front but Liam Palmer was also a stand out for praise following his showing.
Lots of fans praising the young lads and rightly so but @LiamJPalmer has been superb two brilliant goaline clearances and all round play very good ???????? #swfc
— markowl ???? (@johnada75157425) August 26, 2018
Players are being left out due to discipline and commitment, both on the pitch and on the Training Ground. We see players for maybe 5% of their working week. This is what has been needed for three years- players don’t like it, sell them or they need to change #swfc
— David Bly (@DJ_Bly) August 26, 2018
simple without Bannan and Forestieri we’d be half the team, we don’t have replacements, so it’s difficult but I say pay them what they want #SWFC
— StevieBrown (@StevieOwls) August 26, 2018
It’s not a red for me mate and that is not with any bias at all. He has gone in and won the ball, momentum taken him into Forestieri. Studs showing is another modern day saying, if he goes in a different way he doesn’t win the ball or injures himself
— Dean Oakes ⚔️ (@Fantablade) August 26, 2018
Ruined a half decent game
— Joe Mitchell (@Joe_Mitchell9) August 26, 2018
Chansiri negotiating with Efl to get us out of an embargo, signing Joao up, looking like Bannan too in addition to a couple of potential incomings. He hasn’t been perfect but give the guy some praise here he’s worked a blinder. #swfc
— Daz (@Bobbydazzler29) August 26, 2018
Palmer has been solid these last two games I don’t think the wing back position when we play 3 at the back suits him then again I don’t think 3 at the back suits Lees either
— Malcolm Fox ????????⚪️ (@malcolm_fox2) August 26, 2018
Hate the stick he gets. The back four have played well as a flat back four, doing one job, defending. Also people praising young Jordan and rightly so, but he messed up a couple times yesterday, no mention. All played well again #wawaw
— ChrisThomasLuke (@Chris_TLT) August 26, 2018
Last 2 games have probably been his best in a Wednesday shirt, deserves a lot of credit for putting in those performances in the face of so much stick
— Liz Burgess (@lizburgess83) August 26, 2018
Thought Palmer was very good yesterday. Another goal line clearance too
— Aylesburyowl (@aylesburyowl) August 26, 2018
Agreed – People forget he’s one of our own and he feels the same emotions as us as swfc fan and probably more so being a player – all they need if confidence and game time and that’s starting to show ????????????????
— E S25OWL ???? (@davo33uk) August 26, 2018
I’ve been a critic but credit where credit’s due – he played well on Saturday.
— Dan Hilton (@danjhilton) August 26, 2018
Overall he's a good player, but his effort levels can be all over the place. He put a lot of work in the last two, especially defensively, and it showed!
— Rich Hargreaves (@rkhargreaves) August 26, 2018
Barry Bannan and Forestieri took their obligatory praise, but the win should certainly give the group a further shot of confidence now as we continue to look forward and not backwards after our more struggling start to the season.