Sheffield Wednesday mounted a sensational second-half comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit and snatch victory at Carrow Road, dealing a blow to Norwich City’s play-off ambitions.
The result sees the Owls leapfrog Norwich in the Championship table, closing the gap to six-placed Coventry City to just five points.
Norwich in command before Wednesday fightback
Both teams entered the fixture knowing that only a win would keep their play-off dreams alive, but both have endured inconsistent form in recent weeks.
Borja Sainz, who had been a leading scorer in the division but had gone 13 games without a goal, broke his drought in the 16th minute. Slimane’s clever touch from Callum Doyle’s pass sent the Spaniard through, and he finished clinically past James Beadle.
Confidence was flowing, and the home side doubled their advantage after 35 minutes. Sainz turned provider with a deft reverse pass to Slimane, who squared for Crnac to slot home with precision.
Rohl’s tactical tweak sparks second-half resurgence
A frustrated Rohl acted at half-time, withdrawing Shea Charles and Svante Ingelsson in favour of Michael Smith and Nathaniel Chalobah. The changes had an immediate effect as Wednesday found their attacking spark.
Gassama came close to reducing the deficit before Barry Bannan’s pinpoint corner was met by Ihiekwe, who powered a header past Angus Gunn to ignite the fightback.
Windass pounced on a loose ball inside the area in the 72nd minute, drilling home the equaliser to the delight of the travelling fans.
Just four minutes later, Windass turned creator, skipping past Jose Cordoba down the right flank before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Gassama to tap in the winner at the back post.
‘We were too passive’ – Reaction from Danny Rohl
Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl hailed his team’s resilience after another impressive comeback victory.
“We played a strong Norwich who showed their quality in the first half, but I thought even at 2-0 there were moments we were in the game, though the transition moments were not clinical enough.
“At half-time we brought two players in, changed the shape, changed the pressing line to a little bit higher up.
“To have this mentality to come back, after Middlesbrough and now in Norwich, is outstanding. It felt really good because we had momentum against us and now we have a little bit back.”
Writer’s View
Norwich’s season is in danger of unravelling at the worst possible time. Their attacking quality remains evident, but their defensive weaknesses are proving costly. A lack of composure when under pressure saw them collapse in the second half, an issue that must be addressed quickly if they are to keep their play-off hopes alive.
For Wednesday, this victory could be a turning point. Back-to-back comeback wins show they have the belief and tactical flexibility to challenge for the top six. If they can maintain this form, a late push for the play-offs remains a real possibility.
