Sheffield Wednesday fans perform U-turn on one player after ‘monster’ display vs Leeds United

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Sheffield Wednesday’s players defied all expectations against Leeds United, but one star’s performance in particular has changed Owls fans’ thoughts on him.

The Championship’s chaos club beat Yorkshire rivals Leeds United 3-0 on penalties at Hillsborough in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday after holding them to a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Former coach Chris Powell admitted he was ‘lost for words’ after working as a pundit for the Owls’ clash, hailing the young players for their battling display against their Premier League neighbours. Henrik Pedersen started a Sheffield Wednesday outfield XI with 241 total league starts between them, and 234 of which were made by Jamal Lowe.

But despite all Owls players impressing, it was Pierce Charles’ replacement between the sticks that has received the most praise post-match, and Wednesday fans are taking back all the doubts they had on him.

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Ethan Horvath’s ‘strong character’ hailed by Sheffield Wednesday fans

Wednesdayites were warned by some Cardiff City fans about their short-term loan signing Ethan Horvath after the American was brought in following the confirmation of only senior goalkeeper Charles’ injury.

He had a tough debut in the 2-2 draw against Wrexham on Saturday, leading some Wednesday fans to be sceptical about their new glovesman.

However, two saves in the penalty shootout against Leeds and an impressive performance behind a young Owls defence has earned high praise from the Hillsborough faithful on social media, with many changing their minds on the goalkeeper after his Man of The Match performance.

One fan said on X: “Really impressive from Ethan Horvath. To have such a shaky debut, to be questioned by many so early into his #SWFC career, and put on a performance like that… Monster mentality.”

Another wrote: “I owe you an apology, I wasn’t familiar with your game.”

“Ethan Horvath – strong character to come back from that debut and do what he has today with a 3 day turnaround,” a third said. “Stole the man of the match from the kids – but he deserves it.”

Beyond saving Sean Longstaff and Joel Piroe’s spot kicks, the United States international made six stops during the clash against the top flight side, making five inside his box and winning two aerial duels – but he had plenty of praise for those in front of him.

Cardiff City loanee Ethan Horvath credits Sheffield Wednesday’s youngsters

30-year-old Horvath was the only player over 20 on the pitch at the start of the game other than 31-year-old Lowe.

Speaking to Wednesday’s social media team after the game, Horvath praised how ‘brilliantly’ his young teammates did during the clash – even if he is still trying to remember all their names.

“For the first game against Wrexham I had to learn 10 names,” he smiled. “Now tonight I had to learn 10 more!

“But no, it was a top game, and the young defenders did brilliantly. When you play a team of this calibre from the Prem you know they have a lot of offensive attacking players who are quick, with a lot of movement and rotation.

“So it was just about constant communication, and they did brilliantly.”

He will be hoping he and his backline will defy all odds again in Wednesday’s clash against Swansea on Saturday.