Portsmouth 0-2 Sheffield Wednesday: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Portsmouth 0-2 Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship on Saturday, 20 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Sheffield Wednesday secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park, a result that might surprise some given Portsmouth's recent form. The Owls, who had lost their previous two home games, managed to break their losing streak with goals from Barry Bannan and George Brown. Portsmouth, on the other hand, failed to capitalise on their home advantage and recent draw against Southampton, extending their winless run to two matches. The defeat is a setback for Portsmouth, who had shown promise with a win against Preston North End in their last home game.

The game saw Sheffield Wednesday take an early lead through Bannan's well-taken goal in the 12th minute, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Despite dominating possession, Portsmouth struggled to create clear-cut chances and were unable to find a way past a resilient Sheffield Wednesday defence. The visitors' second goal, scored by George Brown just after halftime, effectively sealed the win and highlighted the Owls' clinical finishing. This result will be a boost for Sheffield Wednesday, who will look to build on this performance as they aim to climb the Championship table.

The statistics from the match paint an interesting picture, with Portsmouth enjoying a significant advantage in possession at 70% compared to Sheffield Wednesday's 30%. Despite this, the Owls were more effective in front of goal, scoring twice while Portsmouth failed to find the net. Portsmouth's dominance in possession and corners (11 to Sheffield Wednesday's 5) suggests they had plenty of the ball but lacked the cutting edge needed to break down their opponents. Sheffield Wednesday's higher successful dribble percentage (70% compared to Portsmouth's 46%) indicates they were more efficient in moving the ball forward when they had it.

The yellow card count was notably higher for Sheffield Wednesday, with five bookings compared to Portsmouth's single caution. This suggests a more physical approach from the Owls, who managed to keep their discipline despite the higher number of cards. The statistics overall indicate that while Portsmouth controlled the game in terms of possession, Sheffield Wednesday's efficiency and clinical finishing were the deciding factors in the match.

The key moments of the match were defined by Sheffield Wednesday's goals, which ultimately decided the outcome. Barry Bannan opened the scoring in the 12th minute, a crucial early goal that put Portsmouth on the back foot. The second goal came from George Brown just after halftime, doubling the lead and effectively ending any hopes of a Portsmouth comeback. These goals were pivotal, showcasing Sheffield Wednesday's ability to capitalise on their opportunities.

Portsmouth made several substitutions throughout the game, with Luke Le Roux and Josh Knight coming on at halftime, followed by Hayden Matthews, Mackenzie Kirk, and Márk Kosznovszky later in the second half. Despite these changes, Portsmouth were unable to find a breakthrough. Sheffield Wednesday's substitutions, including Jamal Akua Lowe and Ike Ugbo, helped them maintain their lead and see out the game. The yellow cards for both teams added to the intensity, but it was Sheffield Wednesday's goals that proved decisive.

Portsmouth lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ben Killip in goal and a back four of Zak Swanson, Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, and Connor Ogilvie. The midfield was anchored by John Swift and Andre Dozzell, with Adrian Segecic, Conor Chaplin, and Florian Bianchini supporting striker Colby Bishop. The lineup was fairly standard, with no major surprises in the starting XI.

The impact of the substitutions was limited, as Portsmouth struggled to create meaningful chances despite their dominance in possession. Zak Swanson's yellow card just before halftime was a moment of frustration for the home side. The performance of the team as a whole was disappointing, particularly given their recent form, and they will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture.

Sheffield Wednesday opted for a 3-5-2 formation, with Ethan Horvath in goal and a back three of Dominic Iorfa, Ernie Weaver, and Max Lowe. The midfield was made up of Liam Palmer, Yan Valery, Barry Bannan, Svante Ingelsson, and Harry Amass, with Bailey Cadamarteri and George Brown leading the attack. The lineup showed a clear intent to be solid at the back while posing a threat on the counter.

Barry Bannan's performance was standout, as he not only scored the opening goal but also played a key role in the team's overall play. George Brown's goal in the second half was another highlight, demonstrating the effectiveness of Sheffield Wednesday's attacking options. The team's discipline was tested with five yellow cards, but they managed to maintain their focus and secure a vital win.

Barry Bannan is Coral’s Man of the Match, and his performance justified this accolade. Scoring the opening goal in the 12th minute, Bannan set the tone for Sheffield Wednesday's victory. His contribution extended beyond the goal, with one big chance created and two key passes, showcasing his influence on the game. Bannan's all-around performance was crucial in securing the three points for the Owls.

• Loss: 0-2 vs Sheffield Wednesday (H)

• Draw: 0-0 vs Southampton (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Preston North End (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Norwich City (H)

• Win: 2-0 vs Portsmouth (A)

• Loss: 0-3 vs Bristol City (H)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Swansea City (H)

Portsmouth now sit in 12th place with 8 points, and their next challenge is a home game against Ipswich Town, who are in 17th with 6 points, on September 27, 2025. The recent defeat will likely prompt a reassessment of their approach, with a focus on converting possession into goals. They will need to be more clinical in front of goal to secure a positive result against a mid-table side.

Sheffield Wednesday find themselves in 22nd place with 4 points, and they will face Queens Park Rangers, who are in 9th with 10 points, on September 27, 2025. This victory could serve as a turning point for the Owls, who will look to build momentum and climb the table. They will need to maintain their defensive solidity and clinical finishing to challenge a strong QPR side.

• West Brom Vs Leicester City

• Coventry Vs Birmingham

• Wrexham Vs Derby County

• Swansea Vs Millwall

• Ipswich Town Vs Portsmouth

• Charlton Vs Blackburn Rovers

• Southampton Vs Middlesbrough

• Sheffield Wednesday Vs QPR

• Stoke City Vs Norwich City

• Preston Vs Bristol City

• Watford vs Hull City

• Oxford Utd Vs Sheffield United

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