CARLOS CREW SPLUTTERING TO FINISH...

HAD Sam Winnall’s opportunistic strike proved decisive, the pill would have been bitter indeed for Barnsley and their supporters.

Not just because the 26-year-old once wore a red shirt but because his presence in one would surely have resulted in a home victory. The Tykes – so inventive and slick – created a host of chances and only profligate finishing cost them.

Wednesday, by contrast, look a shell of the side so fast and devastating on the counter last season. Those struggles can be partly explained by the absence of the injured Fernando Forestieri but, truth be told, the Owls have never hit the heights of last season despite a heavy financial outlay.

This was a typical performance – stodgy, uninspired, slow to find the forwards. Once again, Jordan Rhodes was badly isolated and Barry Bannan never found his range. For the first time in his reign, Carlos Carvalhal is feeling real pressure. Making the play-offs looks a big task.