The Sheffield Wednesday manager gave his thoughts on the weekend stalemate at Oakwell.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay has bemoaned the lack of opportunities his side capitalised on to try and take all three points against the Reds at Oakwell last Saturday.
Wednesday took the lead through Atdhe Nuhiu’s first-half penalty following a controversial alleged foul on Lucas Joao, just moments before a terrific equaliser from Oli McBurnie on his full Barnsley debut.
“We sometimes created, but we couldn’t really take the chances that we made,” the Owls manager said following the 1-1 draw.
“We scored the one goal, but let them equalise too easily from not defending aggressively enough. Then, it was all about going forward and looking for the right last pass or cross to create a chance.
“We tried to get things going again in the second half by taking off defensive-minded players in place of more offensive ones, but whilst one goal was enough [for the draw], we need to make more.”
Luhukay acknowledges the threat that Barnsley possessed, by praising his goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith for two notable saves that kept the game all-square.
“Joe produced two fantastic saves to stop them going in front. Whilst we don’t have as much choice in other positions, our goalkeepers are definitely not a problem.
“Joe has been playing very well, and we have Cameron Dawson too, who has played in the FA Cup. Keiren Westwood we also have, although he is out at the moment.”
The Dutchman has had his say on the contentious penalty decision which resulted in their brief lead. Forward Joao had gone down debatably under a challenge from Reds skipper Andy Yiadom, before referee Lee Probert waved away the home appeals in the second half after Adam Hammill appeared to be fouled in the Wednesday area.
“It was difficult to see whether it was a foul from the distance I was stood. The referee was better positioned and decided it was a penalty.
“We are of course happy with that, but we were maybe lucky in the second half when the Barnsley player [Hammill] went down in the box and the referee decided it was not a penalty.
“We all have to respect these decisions."
Luhukay has spoken about the long absentee list that he has had to work around this season, but is confident his team will not be dragged into a relegation battle despite sitting just six points clear of the drop zone, and the manager still waiting for his first Sky Bet Championship victory.
“We don’t have many options in some areas. For example, David Jones had to play in defence today because we had players like Glenn Loovens and Daniel Pudil out just for this game.
“Then, David got injured and had to come off. It was a head injury, he is a bit dizzy. We will see this week the extent of it, which is the same with other players in the squad who should be back soon, Butterfield for example.
“Obviously, we look to win every game, but I see every match as a new chance to make things better and move further up the table.”
Luhukay’s Owls side have a quick comeback to league action, hosting Derby County at Hillsborough this Tuesday night (7:45pm). Paul Harsley’s men in red have a significantly longer reflection and preparation period, returning to Oakwell a week later (Tuesday 20th) in a crucial clash against Burton Albion (7:45pm).
