Derby County produced a commanding display at Hillsborough as they defeated Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 in the Championship, moving closer to the top-six positions while extending the Owls’ winless run to 14 matches. Goals from Patrick Agyemang and Liam Thompson, the latter marking his first league strike, sealed a comfortable victory for the Rams.

Agyemang Opens the Scoring for Derby

The first half saw Derby gradually assert control, capitalising on Sheffield Wednesday’s mistakes. A loose back pass allowed Agyemang to break the deadlock midway through the opening period. The striker cleverly shifted his weight to evade defender Dom Iorfa before firing a precise low shot into the bottom-right corner, giving the Rams the lead and setting the tone for the remainder of the match.

Bobby Clark nearly added a second before halftime, but Wednesday captain Barry Bannan headed away a dangerous cross from Ben Brereton Diaz, keeping the score at 1-0 going into the break.

Thompson and Agyemang Put the Result Beyond Doubt

Derby extended their advantage shortly after the restart. Craig Forsyth delivered a free-kick from the left, which Thompson controlled expertly before slotting a low shot into the bottom-left corner for his first Championship goal.

Agyemang then completed his brace in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a half-cleared cross from Rhian Brewster. The striker finished high into the net from close range, effectively putting the match beyond Sheffield Wednesday’s reach despite 28 minutes remaining.

Sheffield Wednesday Struggle in Attack

The hosts, already enduring a difficult season with 18 points deducted, managed just one shot on target during the game. Bannan’s clever pass to Svante Ingelsson offered a rare opportunity, but Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom stood firm to deny the shot. Sheffield Wednesday remain rooted to the bottom of the table, 29 points adrift of safety, while Derby climb to 12th with their second win in six games.

Manager Reactions

Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen acknowledged the team’s struggles:
“We started well, were more dominant on the ball, but after the second goal, the confidence went out of the boys and we fell away.”

Derby County head coach John Eustace praised his side’s performance:
“I thought it was a great result, it was a really difficult game. First half, we got into some fantastic positions on turnover and it was disappointing that we weren’t clinical enough. Really the game should have been out of sight first half but it was great to come out, get the two goals and we controlled the game in the second half.”

Player of the Match

• Liam Thompson (Derby County) – 8.09 rating

Other notable performers included Derby’s Patrick Agyemang, who scored twice, and goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who denied Sheffield Wednesday’s only clear chance. For Wednesday, Barry Bannan provided leadership in a struggling side, but the team’s deficiencies were clear throughout the match.

What This Means for the Championship

Derby County’s victory lifts them to 12th in the Championship, four points shy of the playoff places, highlighting their potential to push for a top-six finish. Sheffield Wednesday, on the other hand, remain in crisis at the bottom of the table, still seeking new ownership while navigating administration, with just one league win this season.