Sheffield Wednesday secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup first round, with manager Henrik Pedersen hailing his side's intensity and pressing. The Owls, who finished 24th in the Championship last season with just 2 wins from 46 games, showed signs of improvement under Pedersen's guidance.
What stood out for Pedersen?
The Danish manager admitted Bolton caused problems early but praised his team's response. 'I saw a lot of steps in the right direction for our aggressive pressing, for our quick transition,' Pedersen said. He highlighted the team's verticality and forward mindset, noting fewer backward passes.
Key moments in the match
Pedersen was particularly pleased with Jamal Lowe's impact off the bench. The substitute scored the winning goal with a composed finish. 'It was a great goal, but it was also a Jamal with intensity,' Pedersen noted. The manager also praised his squad's culture and work ethic.
Looking ahead to the new season
With the League One season approaching, Pedersen emphasized the importance of learning to win. 'We have to get used to winning,' he said. Sheffield Wednesday's next fixture is an away game against Luton on January 9, 2027. The Owls will aim to build on this performance as they seek an immediate return to the Championship.
