Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl believes yesterday’s 3-0 defeat against Leeds United wasn’t a fair reflection on his team’s performance.
The Owls travelled to Elland Road knowing three points would see them move to within a point of the play-off places. However, that was always going to be a tall order against a team challenging for the Championship title.
Leeds had temporarily surrendered their lead at the top yesterday thanks to Sheffield United’s 2-0 win over Norwich City. The Whites were also looking for a return to winning ways after drawing their last two games against Blackburn Rovers and Hull City.
It didn’t take long for Daniel Farke’s team to seize the advantage. There was just three minutes on the clock when Manor Solomon capitalised on a mistake from Wednesday goalkeeper James Beadle to give the hosts the lead.
Rohl’s side responded well, taking it to the hosts for the remainder of an entertaining first half. They were unable to put away their chances though, and Leeds scored twice late on in the game to secure the three points.
Rohl To Take Positives
Speaking after the game to The Star, Rohl stated his team more than matched ‘the best team in the league’ for large parts:
“At the end it’s 3-0, but I don’t think it gives a full picture today,” he said afterwards. “I think when you come away to Leeds you try to not have such a start, but I think between 1-0 and 2-0 we showed a proper fight against Leeds. We had some good phases, some good periods in the game where we dominated a little – especially in the first half.
“But Leeds had their moments, and it was an open game. I always had the feeling that we could score, and before their second goal at the corner there was a big chance – if we had a guy on the back post like we normally have then maybe we could have scored an equaliser.
“It’s hard to take, but we played against the best team in the league and I think this is the difference between us and them…. I wish the best to Leeds, for me they will go up, it’s the best team in the league, and now we have to focus on the next 19 games.”
Writer’s View
Danny Rohl will still harbour ambitions of sneaking into the play-offs, although yesterday’s trip to Elland Road was always viewed as somewhat of a free hit. Leeds have been formiddable at home and have constantly responded to the challenges of those around them when it has mattered most. With Sheffield United winning the day before, three points for the home side was always likely. As for the Owls, the majority of teams above them also dropped points, making this easier to swallow.
