Sheffield Wednesday scored three goals in 31 first-half minutes to get a much-welcomed home win in the EFL Championship against a Swansea City side who have now lost their last three away games. In this tactical analysis, we’ll look in detail at how Steve Bruce’s side executed an excellent high press and game plan to nullify and frustrate Swansea during the 90 minutes.
Bruce remains unbeaten as Sheffield Wednesday manager, this being his second win at the club in five games since taking charge earlier this year. The victory takes the Owls up to 15th place in the table on 44 points level with three other teams, including Swansea City whose previously slim playoff hopes have now all but ended.
Lineups
Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce adopted a standard 4-4-2 system with Lucas Joao and Steven Fletcher leading the line and the high press. Adam Reach on the right side of midfield proved to be particularly useful in the victory with two goals scored in 21 first-half minutes.
Swansea City boss Graham Potter made just one change from the side that beat Brentford 4-1 in the FA Cup 5th round last Sunday as Jay Fulton dropped to the bench in favour of Kyle Naughton. After returning in goal for the cup tie, Kristoffer Nordfeldt kept his place ahead of Erwin Mulder.
Wednesday’s effective press
Sheffield Wednesdays high press and effective player positioning was key to their 3-1 win. By contrast, Swansea City looked rather one dimensional and lacking ideas in terms of how they could get through the press.
Like Leeds United, Wigan Athletic and Brentford before them, Sheffield Wednesday clearly did their homework and knew how to frustrate Swansea and prevent them from playing their preferred passing style out from the back. Swansea beat Brentford 4-1 in the FA Cup, but the Bees did limit them to just a single shot on goal in the first half by using an effective press.
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