Sheffield Wednesday suffer 3-0 defeat to Derby as winless streak continues
Owls remain bottom of the table after a dominant Rams display
Sheffield Wednesday’s struggles in the Championship continued with a 3-0 defeat to Derby County at Hillsborough, extending their winless run to 14 matches and leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table.
The visiting side secured an emphatic victory, with Patrick Agyemang scoring twice and Liam Thompson adding the second goal early in the second half.
Wednesday’s hunt for their first home league win of the season goes on, as Derby took control on the night to climb into 12th place in the standings, four points away from the play-off positions.
Owls head coach Henrik Pedersen admitted his players failed to match the physical intensity seen in recent matches.
“After the second goal you could see on the players, it was difficult for them. It was the belief that was lost,” Pedersen said.
“So a difficult evening where we didn’t reach the same level as we have done in the last three or four games.
“We delivered a fantastic, physical game (last week) against a very, very strong running (Watford) team, a dynamic team, and today we didn’t reach the same physical level.
“And this is a base to make a top performance in the Championship, and today we missed something to be able to do this.”
John Eustace, Derby manager, reflected on his team’s commanding performance but felt the scoreline could have been even greater given the chances created.
“The game could have probably been out of sight really, with the amount of chances we had, and if the turnover or final pass or the finish was better,” Eustace said.
In particular, he applauded the contribution of USA striker Patrick Agyemang, who scored the opener and rounded off the win with his second goal, taking his tally to five for the season since signing from MLS side Charlotte FC in July for £7.3million.
“The first finish was excellent. I didn’t think he was playing particularly well before that. But that finish for his first goal was a top finish and I’m so pleased for him to get the second,” Eustace said.
Agyemang was disappointed not to secure a hat-trick, having been denied by Owls goalkeeper Pierce Charles’ late save.
“He actually said to me, ‘I should have got the third’. You know, he was disappointed. But I’m delighted. The more goals he gets, obviously the better.”