This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Sheffield Wednesday are enduring a torrid time of it lately as it was very much a case of being the same old story as they drew at home to Birmingham City on Wednesday night.
The Owls had to come from behind to salvage a point after Kadeem Harris’ long-range attempt nine minutes from time somehow found its way into the net, and for once, it was Wednesday reaping the small benefits from a late goal.
But it should have been so much better as again, Garry Monk’s side dominated the game statistically, recording 58% possession and 24 shots – though, just five were on target.
And there’s only one man to blame.
Fernando Forestieri’s regular exclusion under the 40-year-old has been nothing short of perplexing – he is yet to start a game since he took over in September.
This is a man with a better goal per game ratio than any other member of the Wednesday squad. A player that has finished top goalscorer twice in the blue and white stripes. A forward that possesses technical ability like no other at Hillsborough.
Monk finally threw the Italian on with just over half an hour left, but that’s all he needed to prove why he should regularly be featuring.
Per SofaScore, the 29-year-old recorded three shots at goal, five key passes, and registered three successful dribbles. He also won 71% of his ground duels and managed more accurate crosses than any of the two starting wingers.
On his day, Forestieri is the best player that Wednesday have, and instead of making the stupid mistake of excluding him, Monk must be the man to bring that out of him.
What is even dafter is the fact that 4-4-2 has often been his go-to formation over his managerial career, yet for some bizarre reason, he just won’t play the enigmatic forward alongside someone like Steven Fletcher.
Monk can bemoan his side failing to score chances, but it is his decisions hinder that to some extent as he has a potential hotshot on his hands. If only he would give him more of an opportunity.
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Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday fans have gone for their scapegoat once again following their draw with Birmingham City…
