Sheffield Wednesday's poor away form continued on Monday evening as they were caught cold by Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Carlos Carvalhal was unhappy with the fixture schedule – Wednesday playing their 2nd game in 3 days while Middlesbrough had enjoyed more than a week off over the festive period as their Boxing Day fixture was postponed.
As a result the Owls made 6 changes to their starting line-up, including both full-backs and as early as the first minute right-back Liam Palmer was left behind as Middlesbrough launched an early attack, Wednesday's centre-backs were out of position and unable to cut out a low cross and left-back Rhoys Wiggins was caught on the back foot, beaten to the cross by Stuani to give the hosts a dream start.
Carvalhal had picked Jose Semedo in a midfield holding position but the home sides early goal rendered his role as almost not required as Wednesday now had to try and break Boro down.
The home side controlled much of the first half without really looking like scoring and kept the visitors easily at arms length.
The Owls introduced Pudil for the injured Hutchinson at half-time with Forestieri replacing Semedo in a bid to change the course of the game. This had an immediate impact and Wednesday enjoyed much more possession in the Boro half with Bannan having more of an influence.
A Bannan corner was attacked by Pudil forcing a Boro defender to deflect the ball on to his own bar but despite their much improved play Wednesday could not force a clear cut chance. The home side were relieved to see the game out after being on the back-foot for much of the 2nd half, extending their fine defensive home record in which they have conceded only 2 goals in 12 league matches. The result takes Middlesbrough to the top of the Championship table with Wednesday staying in 7th place.
The Owls fine home record has put them in play-off contention going into 2016 but if they are to maintain a challenge they must improve on a run that has seen them win just 2 of 12 matches on the road. Their next opportunity to do so comes at Fulham on Saturday.