Despite Sheffield Wednesday drawing 3-3 draw with Birmingham City on Saturday and putting in a much-improved performance, Garry Monk came in for criticism from supporters for his squad selection.
The Owls manager started Joey Pelupessy at right-back despite the 26-year-old underperforming in Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat to Reading (February 15). He could have been dropped against Birmingham after such a poor showing but was given an opportunity in defence before being hooked at half-time.
Pelupessy at right back, my club is an absolute joke 🤦🏻♂️ #swfc
— Smithy🦉🏴 (@Lee_Smithh) February 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/JamesOwl2006/status/1231240776224563202?s=20
Someone please tell me that Pelupessy isn't playing…
Then please tell me he isn't playing at RWB#swfc
— Peter Butcher (@PeterBu1981) February 22, 2020
Pelupessy playing rwb….sorry Monk but you’ve lost the plot #swfc
— Andy Markham (@markham86) February 22, 2020
Joey Pelupessy at RWB? 😫😫😫😫 #swfc
— Em Wednesday #ChansiriOUT (@BillyFensterFen) February 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/dannysmith1105/status/1231232941705089024?s=20
Pelupessy is starting again, is Monk crazy with Windass on the bench…unbelievable.
— David Goddard (@dgdvd0958) February 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/camward02/status/1231232423062638592?s=20
What is it the manager sees in Pelupessy that the rest of us are struggling with? #swfc
— Bob Bennett (@Dastardly_Mutt) February 22, 2020
Against Birmingham, Pelupessy played for 45 minutes, had 20 touches, won one aerial duel, completed 70% of his 10 passes, found a teammate with one of his two long balls, made one tackle, gave away one foul and made three clearances.
The Dutchman failed to make an interception, create a chance or make a successful dribble and was eventually replaced with Dominic Iorfa for Morgan Fox and Steven Fletcher.
Fans couldn’t believe it when Fernando Forestieri was given the nod at left wing-back in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Luton Town (February 12), and they’ll lose confidence in Monk if he continues to put square pegs into round holes.