After Sheffield Wednesday’s tough 2-1 loss to Luton Town, captain Barry Bannan took to social media to offer a message of hope to fans. Despite the recent setbacks, Bannan remains optimistic about their performance trajectory in the upcoming matches.
Last season, the Owls celebrated survival in the Championship under Danny Rohl’s remarkable leadership, sparking excitement for the new campaign after a successful summer transfer window. While the season began with a stellar 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle, Wednesday has faced challenges in subsequent games, suffering their fourth defeat in five league fixtures against the Hatters.
Following a strong first half, Wednesday claimed the lead early in the second with Bannan’s impressive volley off a cross from Yan Valery. However, the game took a turn in the 74th minute with a controversial penalty against Di’Shon Bernard, leading to a red card and a successful conversion by Carlton Morris, who later scored again to secure victory for Luton.
Despite the defeat, Bannan acknowledged the team’s improved performance and urged fans to remain united during this tough period. Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the high level of play shown against Luton to turn the tide in their favor. Next up for the Owls is a challenging match against league leaders West Bromwich Albion—an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience on home turf at Hillsborough.
“Tough match on Saturday, but let’s stick together and persevere. Results will come. The away fans were fantastic, thank you,” Bannan shared on Instagram.
Manager Rohl echoes Bannan’s sentiment, stating that the Owls’ defeat was undeserved and emphasizing the team’s positive trajectory.
“Despite the result, we’re moving in the right direction. This loss was a step forward towards our goals,” Rohl expressed to BBC Radio Sheffield. “We were the stronger side today. If we continue like this, the points will follow. We had some tough calls go against us, which impacted the game.”
Rohl emphasized the need for decisions on the pitch to shape the outcome, pointing out missed calls that affected the flow of the game. Although Wednesday left without points from Kenilworth Road, Rohl’s belief in their efforts was unwavering.
Despite the setback, Wednesday’s performance against a strong Luton side was promising. While a questionable refereeing decision turned the tide, the Owls displayed dominance for long stretches, instilling confidence for future matches.
Improvements in defense since their shaky start in August have been noted, but efficiency in front of goal remains a focus. The team’s increased attacking prowess bodes well for upcoming fixtures.
Facing a formidable West Brom side next, Wednesday can draw confidence from their past victory over the Baggies and use it as motivation for the upcoming challenge.