What has happened at Hillsborough since Sheffield Wednesday scored seven is bizarre | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday have failed to score at Hillsborough since their 7-2 thrashing of Bromley, which has seen them lose top spot in League One.

After three successive wins, Sheffield Wednesday’s momentum has halted somewhat after two recent draws at Hillsborough against Wigan Athletic and Stockport County.

Of course, Henrik Pedersen’s side are still in a fantastic position, as they sit second in the League One table, which is quite an achievement when you consider the remarkable overhaul of the squad that took place in the summer.

So, Wednesday will feel they’ve made a positive start, but there has been a slightly concerning trend with their home form, as the Owls have only won one of their four games on their own turf.

Sheffield Wednesday have struggled for goals at Hillsborough

Admittedly, that win was a thrashing, as Wednesday beat Bromley 7-2, in what was a truly outstanding attacking display, where the newly-promoted side just couldn’t live with the Yorkshire outfit.

Yet, even though it’s early days, that has been a one-off in the opening month, as Wednesday have actually failed to score in their three other home games.

They were impressive in the first half against Bradford, but they ultimately struggled to break the Bantams down in a 1-0 loss.

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Then, in the last week, the Owls have drawn blanks against Wigan and Stockport, and, in truth, they barely created an opportunity of note against the Latics, and they were second best against County.

Sheffield Wednesday proved their attacking quality against Bromley

On the face of it, 13 goals in seven games is an excellent return for Wednesday, and if they could keep that average up, they would fancy their chances of promotion.

But, that hammering of Bromley is doing a lot of heavy lifting for that stat, as over 50% of Wednesday’s goals came in that single game.

As outlined above, they have failed to score in the other three home games, but that Bromley performance was proof of the talent that Pedersen has in his squad.

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Plus, it wasn’t like Wednesday had a lucky day against Andy Woodman’s side, where everything they touched went in. They had an xG of 4.23, recorded 30 shots at goal, and were dominant from start to finish in what was a relentless performance.

It was a complete display, and whilst Bromley are likely to struggle this season, it was evidence of the quality that Wednesday have in the final third, but they haven’t come close to replicating that in other games on home soil.

There will be a big expectation at Hillsborough this season

One problem that Sheffield Wednesday will have to overcome is clubs seeing the trip to Hillsborough as a big deal.

That’s not to say they will try more against the Owls than other sides, but they boast an iconic stadium, and they have the highest crowds in the league, so it’s a great occasion for visiting players to test themselves.

As well as that, there is an expectancy from the home support, who understandably feel the club don’t belong in the third tier, so there is pressure on the hosts, whereas the away team can play with more freedom.

All of those factors play a part in Sheffield Wednesday’s struggles at home this season, and with the side having won three on the bounce on the road, scoring two goals in each game, it’s clearly something Pedersen must rectify.

Sheffield Wednesday have the talent to win promotion

Ultimately, the Bromley performance was proof of the quality that Sheffield Wednesday boast, and it’s about trying to reach that level on a regular basis.

Obviously, they won’t score seven goals often, but in terms of intensity, speed and willingness to get forward and take risks, that has to be the benchmark.

With Barry Bannan pulling the strings in midfield, and the likes of Callum Slattery, Keiran Morrison, David Keillor-Dunn and Mason Burstow among the attacking options, the Owls shouldn’t have problems finding the net.

But, a lack of goals at Hillsborough has been a worrying trend in the opening weeks, and whether it’s a tactical tweak or a change in personnel, Pedersen needs to do something to ensure they maximise that attacking talent, as they do have the ability to win promotion this season.