Sheffield Wednesday suffered their 3rd home defeat of the season on Tuesday evening as Bournemouth ran out 2-0 winners at Hillsborough.
The first half was a fairly even affair with both sides going close on a couple of occasions from long range – Drenthe and Maghoma for the home side and Ritchie for the visitors but neither side was able to create a clear cut opportunity with defences on top.
Wednesday missed a good opportunity from an early 2nd half corner when Lees headed high over the bar and Wilson squandered a good chance for Bournemouth, firing woefully wide when well placed.
The match swung in favour of the Cherries on the hour mark when Drenthe received a second yellow card for diving in on Pugh. It looked as though the winger may have got a touch on the ball but it was a risky challenge having already been booked for a similar foul in the first half.
Bournemouth's patient passing game ensured they were able to take advantage of the extra man and the pace of Wilson up front proved to be decisive. The former Coventry striker's run and pass gave Surman the opportunity to curl a fine shot in past Westwood not long after the red card and another run from Wilson was latched on to by substitute Fraser to double the advantage and end the contest.
So another disappointing home result for Wednesday and the home side were yet again struggling to impose their play on the match even before the sending off. Nuhiu looked isolated too often in a loan role up front and the midfield pairing of Coke and Lee lacked the drive going forward and the solidity and aggression defensively. It saw certainly a surprise not to see Semedo in the team as although he offers little going forward he has been effective as a stopper, breaking up the play and this was certainly required against a fluid, confident Bournemouth side.
The Owls have now gone 8 games without a win, have won just once in the Championship at home this season and have only scored 3 goals in 8 league games at Hillsborough with all 3 goals coming from set pieces.