Sheffield Wednesday may have come up short against Brentford, but Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup Fourth Round match proved they could hold their own against Premier League competition. In a game that saw nine consecutive penalties converted, the Owls ultimately fell 5-4 in a nail-biting shootout, with Liam Palmer missing the final spot-kick. However, for manager Danny Rohl, there were many positives to take from this hard-fought battle, showcasing the potential within this squad and their rising young talents.
The night also highlighted some tactical adjustments, with Rohl opting for an unexpected back-four formation that managed to stymie Brentford’s high-octane attack for much of the game. Here’s a closer look at five key takeaways from a gutsy Sheffield Wednesday performance.
Pierce Charles Poised to Take the No. 1 Spot Next Season
Sheffield Wednesday’s young goalkeeper, Pierce Charles, seized his opportunity to impress against Brentford. At just 19, Charles faced his toughest opposition yet, and he didn’t flinch. The promising keeper made some sharp saves early on, including a tricky one before Brentford’s first goal, which came after a lucky bounce left Charles stranded.
Charles displayed maturity beyond his years, commanding his area and coming off his line confidently. With current first-choice keeper James Beadle expected to return to Brighton next season, Charles’s performance hinted he may be ready to fill that void and become Sheffield Wednesday’s new number one.
Rohl has good reason to feel optimistic. Charles showed that his development is on a promising trajectory, and if he continues to play with such composure, Wednesday fans could soon be looking at their future mainstay between the posts.
Gabriel Otegbayo Deserves More Championship Minutes
Another standout in Sheffield Wednesday’s lineup was 20-year-old Gabriel Otegbayo. The young defender took on the challenge of facing an experienced Premier League attack and managed to hold his ground, displaying composure and good positioning. Otegbayo contributed with several crucial interventions inside the box and showed solid awareness to maintain Wednesday’s defensive structure.
With the potential he displayed, it’s clear that Otegbayo needs more exposure to Championship-level football this season. Giving him those minutes will not only aid his development but could also prove beneficial for the team, especially with defensive depth being a pressing need. Rohl would be wise to make sure Otegbayo gets ample opportunities as the season progresses.
A Back-Four Formation Could Be Viable for the Owls
In a tactical shift, Rohl surprised fans by fielding a back-four against Brentford, a departure from the back-five system Wednesday had relied on in recent matches. Despite facing a high-flying Premier League side, the back-four proved resilient, limiting Brentford to fewer clear-cut chances than might have been expected. Dominic Iorfa, playing on the right, and Marvin Johnson on the left, flanked a central pairing of Otegbayo and Max Lowe, forming a compact and determined line.
While this formation adjustment worked on Tuesday, it’s likely that Rohl will revert to the usual back-five setup in Championship fixtures. But knowing a back-four can hold up against quality opposition provides flexibility in his tactical toolkit.
- Takeaway Points on the Back-Four Trial:
- It managed to withstand Brentford’s pressure for much of the match.
- Gave the players a chance to explore different positioning and shape.
- Demonstrated potential as an alternative defensive setup for future games.
Anthony Musaba Needs to Regain His Impactful Form
Anthony Musaba, once a dynamic presence in Sheffield Wednesday’s squad, has struggled to replicate last season’s form, where he scored seven and assisted five in the Championship. So far this season, Musaba’s influence has waned, with just one goal and two assists in 12 league appearances. His recent performances have been underwhelming, marked by poor decision-making and a lack of end product in attacking positions.
Musaba’s ability to take on defenders remains, but he’s been unable to capitalize on it, often stalling attacks rather than propelling them forward. For Wednesday to make a serious push in the league, they need Musaba firing on all cylinders, regaining his creative touch, and finishing consistently. This dip in form may be temporary, but it’s an issue Rohl will want to address to restore some attacking bite to his lineup.
Competition for Starting Spots is Alive and Well at Hillsborough
Perhaps the most promising takeaway from Tuesday’s match is that Rohl’s squad depth is very much alive. Despite making several changes, Wednesday put in a strong performance, underscoring the competitiveness within the squad. For players not regularly in the starting XI, this game served as a platform to prove they’re ready to step up when called upon.
Even with key players rotated out, the Owls’ makeshift lineup rose to the occasion. That hunger to fight for starting roles will only fuel the team further as they prepare for upcoming league fixtures, starting with Watford this weekend. For Rohl, knowing he can rely on his reserves to perform at a high level adds flexibility and confidence when rotating players to manage fatigue and form.
