After Ipswich Town’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, sports writer Andy Warren hands out his player ratings as the Blues secure back-to-back wins.
Bartosz Bialkowski
Made one first-half save to stop Nuhiu’s point-blank volley with his face, as he positioned himself superbly to stop the big striker’s shot hitting the back of the net. Couldn’t do anything to stop Lucas Joao’s equaliser and otherwise had a relatively comfortable evening. 7
Jordan Spence
Got forward well at times, especially during the first half as he provided width down the right. Defended well down his side and ensured George Boyd, playing left full-back for the Owls, wasn’t able to get forward and influence play. 7
Cameron Carter-Vickers
A few shaky moments in the first half as he found former Ipswich striker Jordan Rhodes a little tough to handle – getting caught out of position by a couple of neat touches from the striker. Not his best Town display but still contributed well as he showed his strength against Nuhiu. 7
Luke Chambers
The pick of the Ipswich back three as the skipper coped well with man-mountain striker Nuhiu and enjoyed an evening of rough and tumble. Thumped the ball into the crowd and was booked following Waghorn’s second goal and clearly enjoyed celebrating with the Blues fans at the end. 7
Adam Webster
Webster has been superb for the Blues in recent weeks but this wasn’t his best display. He was beaten by the clever feet of Joao for the Wednesday goal and wasn’t his usual, dominant self in the air as he put his side in trouble with a couple of loose headers. 6
Jonas Knudsen
After a brief dip in form, the Dane is back to his consistent levels in the left full-back position. Got up and down the pitch to contribute in defence and attack as the Blues’ wide option and enjoyed the physical battle at time, too. 7
Cole Skuse
Calm and controlled as he made his 200th Ipswich appearance. Hit and miss with his passing as good balls were occasionally followed by loose passes, but contributed well, just as he always does. 7
MORE: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Ipswich Town: Waghorn brace secures back-to-back wins for Blues
Luke Hyam
Looked up for the physical challenge and put in a handful of good tackles as he tried to gain control in what was a tough first half. Tried to move the ball around the field and did his best to support the forwards. 6
Callum Connolly
Threw his body in where it hurts time and again in the middle of a congested midfield area, as he looked back to his high level of performance following a few displays in which he looked a little jaded. Clearly enjoyed his 10-day break from action. His header created Waghorn’s opener. 7
Mustapha Carayol
A couple of decent runs forward without causing too many problems for the Wednesday defence before hobbling off with a groin problem and being replaced by Sears. 6
MORE: Recap the action as Waghorn wins it for Blues at Hillsborough
Martyn Waghorn
Shot wide in a first half in which he saw little of the ball in a central area but ultimately ended up as the Blues’ match-winner. In the right place at the right time to sweep home the opener, ending a 15-game goal drought, before his expertly placed free-kick won the points. 8
Freddie Sears (for Carayol 25)
His early introduction saw him play in a front two with Waghorn – his preferred role – and he reaped the rewards with what was arguably his best display of the season. His tireless running forced mistakes from a Sheffield Wednesday defence dreadfully short of confidence and he played a part in the opening goal. 7
Grant Ward (for Hyam 74)
Had a couple of runs at the Wednesday defence and also had penalty appeals turned down following an apparent foul by Glenn Loovens. 7
Joe Garner (for Waghorn 89)
Came on to help see out the game and, unlike in the reverse fixture, the Blues were able to. 6
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here