Sheffield Wednesday: Danny Rohl bemoans refereeing decisions after Sunderland defeat | OneFootball

The Owls' boss was left frustrated by two key decisions which went against his side in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Black Cats.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has bemoaned key refereeing decisions going against his side as they fell to defeat against Sunderland on Friday night.

A brace either side of half-time from striker Eliezer Mayenda condemned the Owls to a fourth defeat in their last five league games, but Rohl was left frustrated by the key moments in the game that went against his side.

First, they had a penalty appeal waved away in the game’s early stages after a looping cross appeared to strike the arm of Leo Hjelde. Wednesday were also feeling aggrieved by the fact that Sunderland’s opener was allowed to stand, given that Mayenda controlled the pass into him with his arm.

The Owls’ German boss was pleased with the application shown by his team, but ultimately felt that luck wasn’t on their side.

Danny Rohl disagreed with key refereeing decisions that went against Sheffield Wednesday

After defeat on Friday night, Wednesday will be nervously awaiting to find out whether the weekend’s results will be kind enough to let them off the hook.

If West Brom and Blackburn both pick up three points on Saturday, it could leave the Owls nine points off the top six, which would give them a significant mountain to climb at this stage of the season.

Wednesday put up an admirable fight against the side that sat fourth in the table, creating more big chances and more xG than their visitors. However, Rohl was understandably frustrated by the impact referee William Finnie had on the game.

Speaking post-match, Rohl said: “We had two big decisions go against us. Before the 1-0 (Sunderland’s opener) it was a clear handball, a handball in the box from the opponent, the ref didn’t see it. But this is all part of the story.”

Rohl tried to take the positives from Wednesday’s defeat to Sunderland

Despite the Owls’ poor run of form continuing, the young boss was keen to stress that his team’s performance levels haven’t dipped lately, even if the fine margins are continuously going against them.

Rohl continued: "I think at the moment I can record and repeat the last four weeks.

"Again, a very good performance from our side, a lot of good things, more chances. I think we were the better side, we controlled the game, we dominated the game at home, we were on the front foot. Again, two easily-conceded goals and then two big decisions against us, and again we lost, 2-1.

“We have to carry on our good performances and I believe the time will come. The momentum will come back. You have the feeling every small situation is against us a little bit and football is about small details, small situations. Just count the chances for the opponent and our big opportunities.”

Rohl has undoubtedly done a fantastic job to turn the Owls from a side that looked favourites for relegation at times last season, into one which can compete with the very best in the division this term.