Sheffield Wednesday’s play-off hopes were dealt a minor blow as they were beaten by Leeds United at Elland Road.
Carlos Carvalhal
Carlos Carvalhal has suggested that he is the man to blame following Sheffield Wednesday’s defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, the Sheffield Star reports.
A close Yorkshire derby saw the Whites edge the two key moments in a tight game. Vincent Sasso’s decision not to deal with a cross allowed Chris Wood to score the contest’s only goal, while Jordan Rhodes had his second-half penalty saved by Rob Green.
While Sasso definitely should have dealt with the cross for the goal and Rhodes could have hit a better spot-kick – it was well placed into the corner but the pace of the attempt arguably allowed Green time to make the save – Carvalhal has looked to shoulder the responsibility for the loss.
“Individual mistakes are part of the game,” he told the Star. “It is normal in football.
“Mistakes sometimes happen to us and sometimes happen to the opponents.
Hadi Sacko of Leeds United in action with Almen Abdi of Sheffield Wednesday
“I’m the person who assumes all the responsibility. The mistakes of my players are my mistakes.”
While the defeat was a major disappointment for Wednesday fans due to the bragging rights, it was not as harmful a defeat as it appeared it could have been when the final whistle blew.
Before the game, Leeds and Wednesday had the same number of points and occupied the final two play-off spots in the division. Whichever side lost was in danger of being left three points clear of Fulham, who would have had a game in hand.
Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez of Leeds United in action with Glenn Loovens of Sheffield Wednesday
However, the Cottagers could only draw just a few hours later, while Norwich squandered the chance to put some pressure on on Sunday as they drew with Ipswich, so the defeat was certainly not too costly.
And with Carvalhal maintaining the team spirit by taking the blame, and with Wednesday now having all the motivation they need should they meet Leeds again in the play-offs – they have been beaten in tight games on both occasions this term – it could be a loss that ultimately has a positive impact on the Owls.
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