You love to see it: Player ratings in Sheffield Wednesday's vital late win at Bournemouth

Sheffield Wednesday produced a performance full of character to grab a late Jordan Rhodes winner and take three points away from the south coast in a 2-1 win at Bournemouth.

The Owls controlled the first half before the home side stepped up their game in the second, with Sam Hutchinson conceding a penalty in an otherwise impressive outing.

Who were the key men? Let’s take a look at the player ratings..

Keiren Westwood – 8

Could’ve perched on a deckchair first half but came to the fore in the second, making a good save from an awkward effort on 67 minutes and then committing himself well to deny Brooks later on.

Tom Lees – 8

Solid. Seems to be every week nowadays. Headed well, cajoled the defence expertly and played through a knock late. He’s playing like a true leader.

Sam Hutchinson – 7

An imperious first half display let down by a rash challenge when he got the wrong side of Surridge to give away the penalty. The best and worst of the battler on full display. Otherwise excellent. ‘Hutched’ Solanke early on to stamp an authority on things.

Osaze Urhoghide – 8

You can’t help but love him. An exuberant display yet again from the youngster, who continued his fine form from Preston. Sloppy in possession at times. Off in the triple change for Dunkley as he tired a touch.

Liam Palmer – 7

Really comfortable both on the ball and in defence. Off for Harris as Thompson pushed on in his attempt to get a win.

Joey Pelupessy – 7

A really eye-catching first half saw him slow a little as Bournemouth swamped between the lines in their purple patch. But otherwise impressive and sensible in possession. Eyes are always on him. He’s had something about him of late. Great hair.

Matt Penney – 7

A couple of stunning crosses pressed home his quality going forward. One or two hairy moments in defence, but he looked fit and at it. His best showing since his long overdue return to the side.

Adam Reach – 7

Blasted himself about, relentless without the ball. Not one of his most memorable displays, but an important one. His versatility will be vital for Wednesday this season.

Barry Bannan – 8

Everywhere. Notably more aggressive in defence, Bannan produced a leader’s performance and pushed the ball around nicely.

Elias Kachunga – 6

Really hard-working, solid stuff. Will have been bitterly disappointed not to have opened the scoring in the first minute clear through on goal. Off for Windass’ fresh legs.

Callum Paterson – 7

Bustling and gave the Bournemouth defence a hard time for much of his outing. Scored a comedy opening goal thanks to some drunk Cherries defending. What age is too old to have a favourite footballer?

SUBS

Jordan Rhodes – 8

On for Paterson, 55. Hello. What a header for the winner. That’s the Jordan Rhodes we want to see. Wednesday need goals and a confident Rhodes can provide them. Come on Jordan, let’s have it.

Josh Windass – 6

So hard working. Injected life into Wednesday in the Bournemouth half when he replaced Kachunga after the Cherries’ goal. Didn’t see as much of the ball as he might’ve liked but provided clever running.

Kadeem Harris – N/A

On for Palmer too late for a rating but inspired a thousand ‘chef’s kisses’ with that cross for Rhodes’ winner.

Chey Dunkley – N/A

On for young Urhoghide in that vital triple sub. Survived a VERY hairy moment when he appeared to bring down the last man.

Massimo Luongo – N/A

Shored things up and was positive in possession when he replaced Pelupessy. Edging closer to fitness, which will be a big boost.

THE MANAGER

Neil Thompson – 9

We don’t usually give a rating for the gaffer, but Thompson deserves his plaudits for an aggressive triple sub that won the game. Wednesday were passive before that and too many previous managers would have been tempted to have what they held.

The Harris/Rhodes combination for that winner was the icing on the cake. An exceptional move from the Owls caretaker.

MORE FROM OUR WEDNESDAY WRITING TEAM

Bournemouth 1 Sheffield Wednesday 2: What Neil Thompson said after late winner

Sheffield Wednesday exit confirmed as midfielder moves on - Conor Grant joins Rochdale

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