Joey Pelupessy says Sheffield Wednesday can be proud as fans gave him ‘goosebumps’ at Stamford Bridge
The Owls sold out their allocation in the Blues’ Shed End with nearly 6,000 fans in attendance for the 3-0 defeat to the Premier League side.
Wednesday fell foul of a VAR review after referee Andre Marriner awarded the visitors a penalty for Ethan Ampadu’s challenge on Pelupessy in the first half.
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Hide AdJust 167 seconds later, Chelsea had a penalty awarded in their favour as Sam Hutchinson caught Cesar Azpilicueta in the box.
Reflecting on a match filled with talking points, Pelupessy said: “Of course I wanted to win the game but it was really difficult against a good team that is playing at the top of the Premier League and the top of Europe but it was really nice to see that we had a lot of fans here for us.
“It was the first time that I played here so on the other side you have to enjoy it as well but it was a game we wanted to win and we tried to give our best.
“I think we defended well and they had a lot of ball possession and in the second half they created more chances.
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Hide Ad“It was difficult but we worked hard and that was a good thing I think.”
Wednesday’s travelling contingent were in fine voice throughout the course of the match, by far out-singing the home crowd regardless of the score.
And Pelupessy says the Owls fans produced a special atmosphere for the occasion.
“They made a lot of noise and that’s really nice to see,” he said.
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Hide Ad“When I stepped on the pitch I had goosebumps because they were singing a lot and making a lot of noise so I really appreciate that and we have really good fans.”
The Dutchman, who returned to the Owls starting line up for the first time since December’s 1-0 win over Preston North End, thought he had won a penalty in the first half, only to have it ruled out by VAR.
But reflecting on the decision, the 25-year-old said he understood the role technology has to play in getting decisions right.
“To be honest it was a 50-50 challenge but I thought it was a penalty, that was my feeling.
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Hide Ad“When I fell down, Steven Fletcher came over to me and said ‘Well done, good job you got a penalty’, but afterwards they changed it and they have to be right.
“I have to see it on a camera but it was a good chance.
“I think VAR makes everything clearer and you have a better game. If there was no VAR we would have had a penalty but at the end of the day it needs to be clear and that’s a good thing.”