Swansea ease to victory at Sheffield Wednesday

Zan Vipotnik has scored three goals this season having managed seven throughout 2024-25, his first campaign at Swansea

Swansea City claimed deserved victory at Hillsborough as goals from Zan Vipotnik and Ronald ensured Sheffield Wednesday remain without a league win this season.

Vipotnik put speculation over his future to one side as he struck for the third time in as many games in all competitions before teeing up a late second goal from Brazilian winger Ronald.

Slovenia international Vipotnik has been linked with a move away from Wales before Monday's transfer deadline, with Swansea chasing Celtic striker Adam Idah.

But having been handed his first league start of the season, Vipotnik ran on to Zeidane Inoussa's pass to drill the ball past Wednesday keeper Ethan Horvath at the near post.

Swansea eventually made sure of their first away success this season when Vipotnik feigned to shoot before feeding Ronald, whose cool finish gave Horvath no chance.

Swansea had enough opportunities to win more comfortably, with Vipotnik going close on two more occasions.

Goncalo Franco twice missed the target when well placed – and saw another effort blocked - while Ethan Galbraith sliced an early chance wide and Ronald saw another effort parried by Horvath.

There was no lack of endeavour from the troubled Owls, but they lacked attacking threat.

Jamal Lowe headed wide against his former employers early on before Barry Bannan's long-range drive was gathered by Swansea keeper Lawrence Vigouroux.

The hosts' best chance came when they were trailing 1-0, with Yan Valery waltzing into the penalty area only to lift a shot harmlessly over the bar.

Sheffield Wednesday finished last season in 12th in the Championship, one place worse off than Swansea

Analysis: Swans impress, but Owls in need of reinforcements

After three months of wages of being delayed at Wednesday, manager Henrik Pedersen said this week that players and staff would be paid on time for August.

But turbulence continues at the club, with home supporters making their feelings clear once again here with prolonged chants against owner Dejphon Chansiri.

Given the off-field turmoil and obvious deficiencies within the playing squad, Wednesday have – for the most part at least - competed admirably in the opening weeks of the season.

It was a similar story for 45 minutes against Swansea, though the visitors were the more menacing side even before they took control in the second period.

Following opening-day defeat at Middlesbrough, it is now five games unbeaten in all competitions for Alan Sheehan's team, who appear capable of being competitive in the Championship in 2025-26.

But while the Swans are seventh in the early-season table, concerns continue for Wednesday, who drop into the bottom three after a third defeat in four league games so far.

Wednesday have registered just one home league victory since 1 January and never looked like improving that abject record against Swansea.

Regardless of what is to come in the boardroom, Pedersen must hope the club find a way to strengthen their playing staff before the transfer window closes on Monday evening.

Pedersen, and the players already at Wednesday, look in need of help.

Sheffield Wednesday are without a win in four leagues games this season having won only one of their final nine second-tier matches last term

What they said

Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen:

"I think it was a good opponent today. We had a good beginning of the game where tactically we were strong, but we had a lot of times where we won the ball but we lost the ball easily again. Then we had to run a little bit too much.

"We have challenges with three midfielders against our two. That's why we changed the formation but then they scored shortly after. Then it was difficult to come back.

"The boys worked until the end of the game and did all they could.

"I know they are working in the background to do some things so we can get some new players. It will help us a lot if we could get a few more bodies in."

Swansea head coach Alan Sheehan:

"I thought we were very comfortable in both halves. We controlled a lot of the first half but wanted to created a small bit more.

"We went up a gear in the second half and the only thig I can be critical of after that dominant away performance is not scoring more goals, but we looked a really strong outfit today.

"To come away with a clean sheet, two goals and potentially could have had a good few more, I think that's very pleasing.

"I felt we limited to them to very little, but I was delighted to get the second goal."