Life has started really well for Garry Monk at Sheffield Wednesday.
The English coach took over at the start of September and has seen his side pick up 10 of a possible 15 Championship points since–climbing to eighth in the table.
They sit just one point outside the play-off places as things stand and head into their game with Cardiff City on Friday knowing that a win could take them top of the league if results elsewhere go their way.
Such has been the quality of Monk’s start that he was nominated for the Championship manager of the month award for September but not everyone has upped their game under the new boss.
Here we took at two players who have impressed and two who have struggled recently…
Hot: Barry Bannan
The Scotsman has been a key player for Wednesday this season, pulling the strings from central midfield and keeping the side ticking over.
No player in the Owls squad has more assists than Bannan this season (3), while the 29-year-old has also made the most key passes (2.2) and average passes per game (46.9), according to WhoScored.
The Scotland international’s performances were recognised with a PFA Fans’ Player of the Month nomination in September.
Hot: Dominic Iorfa
In the absence of captain Tom Lees, who has been missing through injury, Iorfa has produced some excellent performances at centre-back.
The 24-year-old reads the game well but it is his athleticism that makes him such an impressive defender.
He has built a solid partnership with Julian Borner and has given Monk a real selection dilemma with Lees close to returning.
Not: Jacob Murphy
The 24-year-old signed on loan from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day and looked the real deal in his debut, scoring within 2 minutes and appearing a top-class addition.
In truth, Murphy has been a bit underwhelming since. There are few players in the squad who can sparkle quite as brightly as he can but so far he hasn’t provided enough for the Owls, not contributing a goal or an assist since his debut.
Not: Sam Winnall
Outside of Steven Fletcher, Wednesday look to be lacking any real quality striking options.
Winnall has been emblematic of that–scoring just once in his five appearances and averaging 1.2 shots, 0.4 key passes and only 6.4 passes per game, according to WhoScored.
His toothless performance against Hull City in the absence of Fletcher was a real cause for concern and you worry for the Owls if they were to lose the Scottish forward.
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