Sheffield Wednesday column: The worrying stat Garry Monk's team must put right against Swansea City

Garry Monk's side have picked up a meagre two points out of a possible 15 from clashes against sides in the upper reaches of the Championship this season.

It is a worrying record that Owls must address if they are to keep pace with the chasing pack.

Monk has earned plenty of plaudits for helping turn Wednesday into a solid, strong defensive unit.

Despite conceding two sloppy, uncharacteristic goals in Saturday's reversal at Blackburn Rovers, the Owls still boast the second-best defence in the division. Only Yorkshire neighbours Leeds United have shipped in fewer goals (8) than Wednesday's 12.

"The defensive organisation on everything is the foundation, especially in this league, and then you work from there," said Monk.

"I didn't have the luxury of pre-season but what we have been able to do in a short space of time is give them that foundation of the defensive organisation that we need.

"When you come in like I have done, I have learned from experience that the key is to put the team in a position where they can be really competitive in games.

"It is not going to be the finished article and it is not what we eventually want to be overall but that foundation puts you in a position where you can compete in games straight away."

The Owls have also recorded an impressive four clean sheets in Monk's 10 matches at the helm.

Holding midfielder Joey Pelupessy said: "Since he came here we practised a lot with 11 players against zero to practice if the balls on the left side, we move together, if it's on the right side we move together, we stay compact.