Sheffield Wednesday got back to winning ways on Saturday thanks largely to an excellent display from Dutch winger Etienne Esajas.
Having been the catalyst for a much improved second half display in the derby at Bramall Lane Esajas was rewarded with a place in the starting eleven by Brian Laws for the visit of Cardiff and he didn’t let his manager down.
Esajas gave the Owls the lead inside five minutes with an expertly executed free-kick in off the post and although Cardiff got back into the game in the first half his control and technique made him stand out as the player who could make the difference.
This proved to be the case in the second half as two pinpoint crosses set up the goals that secured a 3-1 win for the Owls and he caused the visitors problems throughout with his direct running and crossing ability.
Jermaine Johnson started the season in fine form but a couple of off-the-boil performances cost him his starting place and Esajas has taken full advantage. When both on form they have the ability to cause Championship opposition real problems. Johnson has the edge in terms of pace and going past defenders but Esajas has the better technique with excellent dead ball and crossing ability.
It is difficult to see both starting games together regularly as it would perhaps leave the Owls too open defensively and with Michael Gray also in fine form adding experience and assurance this is unlikely, especially in the forthcoming away but is good that Laws has attacking options available.
More of a concern is the leaky defence as yet another game goes by without a clean sheet but having said that Wednesday did stifle a strong Cardiff side in the second half and so confidence should be boosted going into two away games before an international break.