Luhukay says Wednesday paid Stoke too much respect - 7M sport

Luhukay says Wednesday paid Stoke too much respect



Posted Sunday, September 16, 2018 by PA

Luhukay says Wednesday paid Stoke too much respect

Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay felt his side gave Stoke too much respect as they went 2-0 down before coming back to draw 2-2.

Two first-half goals from Benik Afobe on his return to the side put the visitors in control of the Sky Bet Championship contest at Hillsborough.

However, Marco Matias pulled a goal back before the interval and Barry Bannan equalised with eight minutes remaining.

Stoke took a second-minute lead when Peter Etebo and Mame Diouf combined to set up Afobe, who fired past goalkeeper Cameron Dawson from inside the area.

Afobe added his and Stoke’s second in the 22nd minute after Ince slipped the ball through to him and Wednesday’s appeals for offside were ignored.

The hosts reduced the arrears when Bannan’s long ball into the area was chested down by Steven Fletcher into the path of Matias (24), who beat Jack Butland with ease.

Bannan (82) equalised with a superbly taken free-kick from just outside the ‘D’, leaving Butland rooted to the spot.

Luhukay said: “It was a very tough game for us. The first 20-25 minutes were very difficult.

“We had too much respect. We must have the confidence in each other. We must believe we can make surprises. We know we must do a lot of things better.

“After the second goal, our fans stayed completely behind the team. At the end we were happy it was 2-2 against a very good team.

“It was a fantastic free-kick from Barry – which was a very important goal for us – and what a pass for the first goal. He gives the team possibilities. If we didn’t have Barry today, it would have been very difficult.

“The character and the personality is 100 per cent. When you have the character and the personality, you can come back.

“The team must have the feeling. When you don’t have the feeling, you must have the mentality.

“You must be happy when you come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.”

Stoke boss Gary Rowett said: “For 30 minutes I felt we were in full control of the game and we could have been further ahead.

“We then conceded a goal which gave them a huge lift for five to 10 minutes and we lost a bit of intensity.

“We created further chances in the second half and I felt we should have won the game comfortably.

“It’s frustrating when you don’t win games. I’m disappointed with the result but pleased with a vastly improved performance.

“We weren’t quite clinical enough but if we play like that, we’ll win lots of games of football.

“I thought we passed the ball really well and it was a lot closer to what we expect from our players. We’ve now got to build on that performance.”

On Ryan Woods, who made his full debut for Stoke, Rowett said: “He makes it easier for the defenders because he’s always available.

“He’s exactly what you want in the team. He’s hungry and he keeps wanting the ball.”

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