Two-goal Anthony Knockaert says David Stockdale answered his prayers as Albion went back into top spot.

The French star hailed Stockdale as the best goalkeeper in the Championship after a night of high drama at the Amex.

Knockaert scored in either half to secure a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday but Stockdale also played a huge role with a brilliant double-save from Fernando Forestieri’s penalty and follow-up at 1-1.

Glenn Murray was sent off when conceding the spot-kick before Knockaert restored the lead and Wednesday had Steven Fletcher and Sam Hutchinson dismissed.

Knockaert said: “There was everything in this game.

“I was praying for a save from Stocko and it was important to keep us in the game. He showed again he is the best in the league.

“We have great team spirit and great character. After we went to ten men, we wanted to not concede another one. We had a great counter and I was happy to score the goal.”

Knockaert praised left-back Sebastian Pocognoli, one of the more unsung stars of the night, for the cross which teed up his 85th-minute winner at the far post.

He said: “It was an unbelievable ball from Seb and I was lucky enough to put the ball into the net. He played one in just before which was magnificent as well. I’m happy for him because he deserves it.”

Albion were pegged back to 1-1 by an unfortunate own goal from stand-in skipper Lewis Dunk right on half-time.

Knockaert added: “We deserved this win because we worked really hard and we were so unlucky with the goal we conceded. The togetherness here is unbelievable and we have this since last year.”