Steve Bruce conceded that the best team won following the 1-0 defeat to Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday.
The Owls went down to a Jack Harrison goal in the second half as they finally succumbed to relentless pressure from the promotion hopefuls.
And Bruce told swfc.co.uk: “There was no doubt that the best team won, Leeds played very well.
“They moved the ball well, they are very fit, and they showed why they are where they are in the league table.
“I thought we defended very well, we were resolute, we got our tackles in but Leeds got the goal that you have to say they deserved.”
Bruce picked out Keiren Westwood as his standout performer after the in-form goalkeeper pulled a string of saves from the top drawer.
He added: “He was outstanding today, he’s made some very important saves for us today, he really frustrate them.
“But he’s a top-class goalkeeper you know, the first save in the first half from the boy Roberts was the save of the season, you won’t see better than that.
“Keiren has been marvellous for me since I came into the building, he has the experience and that air of authority at the back.”