Ah... another one of those weekends coming up.
That's right, Swansea don't play again until next Sunday, leaving us with over two weeks of clock watching. We are currently one week in to our two week void, and Saturday will really drag unless you have something to fill the hole.
So here are a few suggestions of things you can do to avoid boredom this Saturday:
1. Do the essential things you've put off because of the Swans
This is boring but it makes sense. While there is no score to check or stadium to be at, do all the things you've been meaning to do - household chores, spending time with family or washing the cat. Why not wander into Swansea City centre and remind yourself just how irritating it is on a Saturday? While there, stroll past Nandos and look for any Swans players inside eating over-priced chicken.
2. Watch football
While the Premier league is taking a little break, there is no reason you should deny yourself football watching or listening – many other games are being played this Saturday:
Why not give some much needed support to a local Welsh Premier League club by popping down to the Gnoll (Neath v Prestatyn 14:30) or Stebonheath Park (Llanelli v TNS 15:00). If it's something bigger you're after, the FA Cup sees Chelsea v Birmingham (12:30) and the all Premier League clash of Sunderland v Arsenal (17:15). Why not check out our neighbours (a nice reminder of our Championship years...), with Ipswich v Cardiff at 15:00? Plenty of football to be getting on with!
3. Have a few games on the PS3/Xbox/Wii
This could be smashing people on MW3 (or, like I do, hide and hope no-one finds me), soaking up the scenery in Uncharted 3 or, most apt, a few hours on FIFA 12! Whether you're amazing or shit (basically whether you choose Barcelona or Barnet) it kills a few hours and gives you that Saturday feeling (minus the singing and the over-priced pints). Start a new FIFA campaign as the Swans – it may not be as satisfying this season because there is no Premier League promotion to battle for, but try getting into Europe! I believe in you.
4. Play some football
Scrape the mud off your T90's, down a Lucozade and take to a field of your own! Try getting some friends together for a 5-a-side match in one of Swansea's many (well... two) five-a-side centres, or take a ball down the park and run like Dyer, score like Graham and fall over like Tate.
5. Go to the Liberty Stadium
If all else fails and you just can't keep away, wander through Hafod, buy a KFC and sit on a curb outside the stadium and quietly meditate. For that extra special feeling, buy the DVD of Swansea vs. Arsenal from the club shop and watch on a portable DVD player.
Thanks to @chippie77, @1matthewburgess and @kennyb0y for their suggestions on Twitter – feel free to leave any more in the comments section below or tweet me: @ForzaSwansea!
Roll on next week!
Friday, 17 February 2012
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Swansea 2 – 3 Norwich: a game best forgotten
It's not often a team will out-Swansea Swansea. I expect it to happen when Swansea eventually make it to the Champions League and play Barcelona, but I didn't expect it yesterday against Norwich.
I had heard a few Swans fans were a little pessimistic before the match, but I honestly couldn't see it going any other way than three points to the home side. Yet Norwich came out and really did a number on the Swans and deserved their win. They had us sussed from start to finish.
So who didn't turn up? Literally Joe Allen, but he was injured so it's forgiveable. I can't say I was overly impressed with his replacement – Josh McEachran was a little too weak in an area that needs strength. Leon Britton needed someone more physical next to him and unfortunately McEachran didn't offer it. It's a shame Kemy Agustien was also injured as it might have been a different game with a stronger ball winner in the middle.
Angel Rangel was uncharacteristically disappointing. Too many times we saw a Norwich goal-scoring opportunity come from an attacker in too much space on that left wing. The rest of the back four all had a poor game in my eyes, although Steven Caulker showed some attacking talent with a few decent headed attempts at the other end.
Neil Taylor scoring a second consecutive home own goal was just bad luck, but own goals are only scored when there is pressure on the defence – and there was plenty of pressure on the defence yesterday! Elsewhere, Nathan Dyer and Scott Sinclair weren't allowed their usual space which resulted in both being rightly subbed.
On a positive note, Leon Britton, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Michel Vorm had decent games, but the performance by the whole team was very under-par.
The Liberty is a hard place for visitors to score (we actually have to go back to 2009 – Paulo Sousa reign – for the last time three away goals were scored there), but Swansea lacked the composure, style and accurate passing we have been spoilt with so regularly this season.
The worrying thing is that there doesn't seem to be a plan B for these situations. It's good for football that Swansea won't just hoof it long up the field, even when under pressure, but what can they do when their Barcelona-esque passing isn't an option?
The bench offered little in the way of impact subs – Mark Gower is fine to float a few balls into the area, and is a nice player to air-out when ahead, but he's no game changer. The introduction of Leroy Lita and Wayne Routledge seemed more out of desperation than a well thought out plan.
Let's get this right – Swansea will secure safety this season. I'm confident. At risk of jinxing it, there are too many other teams that are destined for the Championship and I can't see Swansea being one of them. But to continue and grow in the Premier League, Swansea need more of an idea of what to do if they aren't allowed to play their usual game.
It would be nice to see this experimented after safety is secured. It would be interesting to try a new formation or a new system. This experimentation could end up ruining a game for the Swans, but it would be worth it for a clearer idea of what is needed when teams come looking for trouble.
I had heard a few Swans fans were a little pessimistic before the match, but I honestly couldn't see it going any other way than three points to the home side. Yet Norwich came out and really did a number on the Swans and deserved their win. They had us sussed from start to finish.
So who didn't turn up? Literally Joe Allen, but he was injured so it's forgiveable. I can't say I was overly impressed with his replacement – Josh McEachran was a little too weak in an area that needs strength. Leon Britton needed someone more physical next to him and unfortunately McEachran didn't offer it. It's a shame Kemy Agustien was also injured as it might have been a different game with a stronger ball winner in the middle.
Angel Rangel was uncharacteristically disappointing. Too many times we saw a Norwich goal-scoring opportunity come from an attacker in too much space on that left wing. The rest of the back four all had a poor game in my eyes, although Steven Caulker showed some attacking talent with a few decent headed attempts at the other end.
Neil Taylor scoring a second consecutive home own goal was just bad luck, but own goals are only scored when there is pressure on the defence – and there was plenty of pressure on the defence yesterday! Elsewhere, Nathan Dyer and Scott Sinclair weren't allowed their usual space which resulted in both being rightly subbed.
On a positive note, Leon Britton, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Michel Vorm had decent games, but the performance by the whole team was very under-par.
The Liberty is a hard place for visitors to score (we actually have to go back to 2009 – Paulo Sousa reign – for the last time three away goals were scored there), but Swansea lacked the composure, style and accurate passing we have been spoilt with so regularly this season.
The worrying thing is that there doesn't seem to be a plan B for these situations. It's good for football that Swansea won't just hoof it long up the field, even when under pressure, but what can they do when their Barcelona-esque passing isn't an option?
The bench offered little in the way of impact subs – Mark Gower is fine to float a few balls into the area, and is a nice player to air-out when ahead, but he's no game changer. The introduction of Leroy Lita and Wayne Routledge seemed more out of desperation than a well thought out plan.
Let's get this right – Swansea will secure safety this season. I'm confident. At risk of jinxing it, there are too many other teams that are destined for the Championship and I can't see Swansea being one of them. But to continue and grow in the Premier League, Swansea need more of an idea of what to do if they aren't allowed to play their usual game.
It would be nice to see this experimented after safety is secured. It would be interesting to try a new formation or a new system. This experimentation could end up ruining a game for the Swans, but it would be worth it for a clearer idea of what is needed when teams come looking for trouble.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Swansea 1 – 1 Chelsea: an honest look at the game.
As I'm sure many will have said as they poured from the stadium last night: had Chelsea scored first and Swansea equalised (a la Spurs) it would be a scoreline worth celebrating. However, last night's point is acceptable to be annoyed at. As I see it, it is two points dropped.
As many others will have said: to be disappointed with a draw against Chelsea really shows Swansea have come a long way. Yes it does, but that fact doesn't make the disappointment any easier.
Looking at the match, and the evening in general, it was quite entertaining. The first half saw the typical Swansea set-up and the slick pass-and-move philosophy. Swansea could well have taken the lead at the 15-minute mark when three beautiful open-goal opportunities presented themselves, but it was not to be.
The pressure did pay off when Scott Sinclair took a blind swing at a bouncing ball and it dipped and floated past Petr Cech. A deserved 1-0 to the Swans.
Second half was a different game. Swansea's passing was way off the mark, with one too many loose passes and aimless runs. I had a feeling it wouldn't end 1-0 and I was right. It's just so cruel that the equaliser came in the 93rd minute from an own goal! The own goal won't be remembered though – Taylor had a good night and didn't deserve it. But Chelsea's goal looked imminent during the last 20 minutes.
I think a turning point was bringing on Luke Moore for Scott Sinclair. Apart from the goal, Sinclair didn't have an outstanding night, so a sub was a decent call. Bringing on Moore wasn't. He just doesn't do the running of Sinclair and never seems that interested in defending. I'd have brought on Routledge or even Richards if they wanted to close the game up. Ultimately Moore let Bosingwa through and there came the goal.
Moore and his lackadaisical approach aside and it was a decent team performance: Dyer didn't seem as composed as usual, but frustrated the hell out of the Chelsea midfield towards the end. Ashley Williams put in a good man-of-the-match performance, while Caulker mopped up a lot of loose ball at the back. Leon Britton was busy as usual and Kemy Agustien seemed to have a positive impact when coming on.
The referee was terrible in the second half generally, though he did issue the yellow cards and eventually send off Ashley Cole, so he got something right.
We can't blame the referee though. Swansea let Chelsea keep possession and territory in the second half and that led to the goal. The now famous “Swansea Triangle” was rarely seen in the latter stages. The skill is always there, but the composure and concentration is the thing that tends to transform three points into the single one with Swansea.
Still, it's a point...
Onto West Brom on Saturday, where there's now just a little more pressure to get the away win.
As many others will have said: to be disappointed with a draw against Chelsea really shows Swansea have come a long way. Yes it does, but that fact doesn't make the disappointment any easier.
Looking at the match, and the evening in general, it was quite entertaining. The first half saw the typical Swansea set-up and the slick pass-and-move philosophy. Swansea could well have taken the lead at the 15-minute mark when three beautiful open-goal opportunities presented themselves, but it was not to be.
The pressure did pay off when Scott Sinclair took a blind swing at a bouncing ball and it dipped and floated past Petr Cech. A deserved 1-0 to the Swans.
Second half was a different game. Swansea's passing was way off the mark, with one too many loose passes and aimless runs. I had a feeling it wouldn't end 1-0 and I was right. It's just so cruel that the equaliser came in the 93rd minute from an own goal! The own goal won't be remembered though – Taylor had a good night and didn't deserve it. But Chelsea's goal looked imminent during the last 20 minutes.
I think a turning point was bringing on Luke Moore for Scott Sinclair. Apart from the goal, Sinclair didn't have an outstanding night, so a sub was a decent call. Bringing on Moore wasn't. He just doesn't do the running of Sinclair and never seems that interested in defending. I'd have brought on Routledge or even Richards if they wanted to close the game up. Ultimately Moore let Bosingwa through and there came the goal.
Moore and his lackadaisical approach aside and it was a decent team performance: Dyer didn't seem as composed as usual, but frustrated the hell out of the Chelsea midfield towards the end. Ashley Williams put in a good man-of-the-match performance, while Caulker mopped up a lot of loose ball at the back. Leon Britton was busy as usual and Kemy Agustien seemed to have a positive impact when coming on.
The referee was terrible in the second half generally, though he did issue the yellow cards and eventually send off Ashley Cole, so he got something right.
We can't blame the referee though. Swansea let Chelsea keep possession and territory in the second half and that led to the goal. The now famous “Swansea Triangle” was rarely seen in the latter stages. The skill is always there, but the composure and concentration is the thing that tends to transform three points into the single one with Swansea.
Still, it's a point...
Onto West Brom on Saturday, where there's now just a little more pressure to get the away win.
Monday, 30 January 2012
Swansea vs Chelsea: a small preview
After a wonderful start to the year, with two away wins and that game against Arsenal, the last week has seen Swansea lose to Sunderland (where at least a point was deserved), and dumped out of the FA Cup by Bolton.
So I don't know why I feel so confident that the Swans can take at least a point ahead of tomorrow, when Chelsea make their way to the Liberty Stadium.
We all remember what happened last September in Stamford Bridge – Swansea put in a proud performance, but failed to stop four goals going in, despite being a man up for much of the game. However, Swansea have grown through the season and are so much more confident now.
In a blog previewing Chelsea it's just too easy to mention the ongoing incapability of Fernando Torres... but I'm going to anyway. He's failed to score for a total of over 15 hours of football. There I said it. Interestingly, his last league goal came against Swansea back in September. I think I'd take another goal from him if he is willing to get sent off again. (I think he would take another sending off just to score!)
Despite the suffering Spaniard, lest we forget that Chelsea are fourth in the table and have oodles of talent. Thankfully, a handful of that talent is unavailable: Ramires - who scored two against the Swans last time - is out for a few weeks and John Obi Mikel and John Terry are also both out injured. Elsewhere Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are away for the African Nations Cup, while Frank Lampard is doubtful due to a calf strain.
For the Swans, Alan Tate is back and ready for selection (though I can't see him starting), while the likes of Sinclair and Britton, and (apart from the last 25 minutes) Graham and Dyer were rested on Saturday, so should be fresh. Josh McEachran is ineligible due to terms of his loan.
It's very close in the middle of the table and a win would see Swansea overtake four teams and finish Tuesday in ninth. A loss isn't going to change much tomorrow.
Prediction time: it's not going to be a 4-1 type scoreline again, even if Swansea do lose. With the home fans behind them and the knowledge that they can beat the bigger teams, a draw is not unlikely. I'm going to say... 2-2 (around 13/1 if you're up for a bet).
Let's end the month as we started it!
So I don't know why I feel so confident that the Swans can take at least a point ahead of tomorrow, when Chelsea make their way to the Liberty Stadium.
We all remember what happened last September in Stamford Bridge – Swansea put in a proud performance, but failed to stop four goals going in, despite being a man up for much of the game. However, Swansea have grown through the season and are so much more confident now.
In a blog previewing Chelsea it's just too easy to mention the ongoing incapability of Fernando Torres... but I'm going to anyway. He's failed to score for a total of over 15 hours of football. There I said it. Interestingly, his last league goal came against Swansea back in September. I think I'd take another goal from him if he is willing to get sent off again. (I think he would take another sending off just to score!)
Despite the suffering Spaniard, lest we forget that Chelsea are fourth in the table and have oodles of talent. Thankfully, a handful of that talent is unavailable: Ramires - who scored two against the Swans last time - is out for a few weeks and John Obi Mikel and John Terry are also both out injured. Elsewhere Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are away for the African Nations Cup, while Frank Lampard is doubtful due to a calf strain.
For the Swans, Alan Tate is back and ready for selection (though I can't see him starting), while the likes of Sinclair and Britton, and (apart from the last 25 minutes) Graham and Dyer were rested on Saturday, so should be fresh. Josh McEachran is ineligible due to terms of his loan.
It's very close in the middle of the table and a win would see Swansea overtake four teams and finish Tuesday in ninth. A loss isn't going to change much tomorrow.
Prediction time: it's not going to be a 4-1 type scoreline again, even if Swansea do lose. With the home fans behind them and the knowledge that they can beat the bigger teams, a draw is not unlikely. I'm going to say... 2-2 (around 13/1 if you're up for a bet).
Let's end the month as we started it!
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Rodgers out!
Get him out! Bring back Sousa! What's Rodgers ever done for this club? While we're at it, lets get rid of Sinclair too!
I am, of course, being ironic. Or am I...? (Yes I am.)
The loud thud at the end of the loss to Sunderland was the sound of Swansea falling back to Earth after the euphoric victory against Arsenal.
I was a little surprised – I expected no less than a draw, especially with high team confidence and a decent run of recent away form. However, two classy goals from Stephane Sessegnon and Craig Gardner ensured Swansea were not even picking up one point, in a match where they actually deserved to.
Possession and passing were high as usual (64% possession for the travelling Swans), but they seemed flat near goal and were unable to put away any chances. Swansea had four attempts on target - Sunderland had just two and both went in.
During the match, I tweeted on Twitter (where else?):
Swansea frustrating in the final third as usual. Creating all the chances, but can't get anything from them.
I had a little stick from this, saying I was negative and my use of 'as usual' was way out of line, but I stand by it.
Swansea are usually frustrating in the final third. Think of all the possession and passing close to the box, but the opportunities that go wide, go over or don't actually go near the goal at all. Recently we've seen a little more cutting-edge from the players, but I think I'm right in saying they are frustrating to watch at times!
I'm not a negative person when writing about the Swans – a shameless plug for my recent article on the Sabotage Times will prove I am sometimes over optimistic when it comes to the future of the club.
However true you believe or don't believe the "frustrating in the final third" statement to be, there is no reason to vent your feelings against the players via social networking (yeah, it's happened again).
I'm not really listening to what's been happening – I don't follow any of the Swansea players on Twitter (or any footballers or "celebrities" for that matter), so I am not “in” on the conversation, but have noticed a number of mentions that someone or other is abusing some player about something he did in the match.
No need. Yes, Scott Sinclair is not putting them away like he was last season. He knows that. It's a different game in the Premier League so that affects things. Maybe he's just having a dip in form. But abusing players? Save it for the bigger celebrities who feed off the abuse, or other fans who have a go.
This ends a short blog. See you next week for a build up to the Chelsea match – another “big one” I am confident the Swans will win!
I am, of course, being ironic. Or am I...? (Yes I am.)
The loud thud at the end of the loss to Sunderland was the sound of Swansea falling back to Earth after the euphoric victory against Arsenal.
I was a little surprised – I expected no less than a draw, especially with high team confidence and a decent run of recent away form. However, two classy goals from Stephane Sessegnon and Craig Gardner ensured Swansea were not even picking up one point, in a match where they actually deserved to.
Possession and passing were high as usual (64% possession for the travelling Swans), but they seemed flat near goal and were unable to put away any chances. Swansea had four attempts on target - Sunderland had just two and both went in.
During the match, I tweeted on Twitter (where else?):
Swansea frustrating in the final third as usual. Creating all the chances, but can't get anything from them.
I had a little stick from this, saying I was negative and my use of 'as usual' was way out of line, but I stand by it.
Swansea are usually frustrating in the final third. Think of all the possession and passing close to the box, but the opportunities that go wide, go over or don't actually go near the goal at all. Recently we've seen a little more cutting-edge from the players, but I think I'm right in saying they are frustrating to watch at times!
I'm not a negative person when writing about the Swans – a shameless plug for my recent article on the Sabotage Times will prove I am sometimes over optimistic when it comes to the future of the club.
However true you believe or don't believe the "frustrating in the final third" statement to be, there is no reason to vent your feelings against the players via social networking (yeah, it's happened again).
I'm not really listening to what's been happening – I don't follow any of the Swansea players on Twitter (or any footballers or "celebrities" for that matter), so I am not “in” on the conversation, but have noticed a number of mentions that someone or other is abusing some player about something he did in the match.
No need. Yes, Scott Sinclair is not putting them away like he was last season. He knows that. It's a different game in the Premier League so that affects things. Maybe he's just having a dip in form. But abusing players? Save it for the bigger celebrities who feed off the abuse, or other fans who have a go.
This ends a short blog. See you next week for a build up to the Chelsea match – another “big one” I am confident the Swans will win!
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Swansea vs Sunderland: A brief look at another winnable game!
While Sunderland have had a recent revival after replacing Steve Bruce with Martin O'Neill, I see Swansea winning this one.
Going against Swansea is the fact that they are travelling. We know how poor their general away form is, but recent wins against Aston Villa and Barnsley, combined with that historic win over Arsenal should see the Swans full of confidence.
We've seen it before with Swansea though – it could well be another Blackburn (losing 4-2 away) as they sometimes lose concentration when not surrounded by 18,000 supporters.
I'm thinking 2-1 to the Swans today (currently 12/1 on PaddyPower). That could be a little optimistic if I'm being honest, so if you're after a bet, try something on 1-1 (at 5/1). Nathan Dyer to score in another game? It's pushing it but he seems to be on a roll at the moment and at 9/2 it could well be worth a few pound.
More of my thoughts on this game and recent Swansea City fixtures are here at the RokerReport.com after I guest blogged there earlier this week. Check it out!
Going against Swansea is the fact that they are travelling. We know how poor their general away form is, but recent wins against Aston Villa and Barnsley, combined with that historic win over Arsenal should see the Swans full of confidence.
We've seen it before with Swansea though – it could well be another Blackburn (losing 4-2 away) as they sometimes lose concentration when not surrounded by 18,000 supporters.
I'm thinking 2-1 to the Swans today (currently 12/1 on PaddyPower). That could be a little optimistic if I'm being honest, so if you're after a bet, try something on 1-1 (at 5/1). Nathan Dyer to score in another game? It's pushing it but he seems to be on a roll at the moment and at 9/2 it could well be worth a few pound.
More of my thoughts on this game and recent Swansea City fixtures are here at the RokerReport.com after I guest blogged there earlier this week. Check it out!
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Swansea 3 – 2 Arsenal: All round complete
Well, well – Super Sunday truly lives up to its name if you happen to be a Swans fan!
An exciting and significant game, with goals from Scott Sinclair, Nathan Dyer and Danny Graham, cancelling out the two Arsenal scored (Van Persie and Walcott). It's significant in the sense that Arsenal are the first “big” team Swansea have taken three points from this season. Notice I said first – Chelsea are just around the corner.
So, what went right this Sunday?
The team selection worked. While the keeper, back four and striker usually write themselves, midfield is always a headache (albeit a good one). This time, the combo of Allen, Agustien and Britton worked well in the first half, with Dyer and Sinclair both well on form at the same time (for a change).
Dyer deserved the man of the match award – well-earned from the little winger after setting up the penalty and scoring a fine strike himself. It was the third game in a row in which he scored, meaning he is becoming more of a well-rounded player, combining dizzy runs and an abundance of speed with goals... finally. He'll be a target for a number of teams come the summer.
This kind of thing I felt was missing in the first half of the season: long shots. by anyone, not just Dyer. Walking every ball into the goal was never an option in this league. I'm not sure what has changed recently – a managerial decision or just more confidence – but long shots are being taken more frequently, with some being scored. Good.
At half time I felt Kemy Agustien was taken off a little prematurely – he was having a decent game. However, Gylfi Sigurdsson made an appearance and the decision paid off. Nice to see the Icelandicman (Icelandian? Ice... forget it) slot into the squad with ease. Midfield is surely well equipped now, especially with Josh McEachran on his way next week. Britton, Allen, Gower, Agustien, Orlandi, Sigurdsson, McEachran... as each game goes by, it is hard to see where Stephen Dobbie will fit in.
Captain Ashley Williams did well enough to quell most of the danger, though his passing was uncharacteristically sloppy at times and, though he looked dangerous going forward, his runs left a few gaps when the ball was intercepted. He did enough to have a good game though, as did the rest of defence.
Arsenal were decent. I personally don't mind them as a team (apart from when they consistently cock up my betting accumulators!) and there is plenty of talent in their ranks. I'm sure you'll agree when I say I wasn't comfortable with a one goal lead at 2-1 or at 3-2. It could have feasibly gone three ways with ten minutes left on the clock; thankfully it went the right way.
I'm not praising Arsenal too much – just enough to drill home the fact that it wouldn't be such a significant win if they were shit! I'm sure a number of those sitting in the home stands / corporate boxes only came to see Thierry Henry and team-mates grace our small city, yet left with a new found love for the Swans (or so you would hope).
So, Swansea start the week 10th in the table. With a winnable game against Sunderland on Saturday, the Swans are finally looking like the complete Premier League team.
An exciting and significant game, with goals from Scott Sinclair, Nathan Dyer and Danny Graham, cancelling out the two Arsenal scored (Van Persie and Walcott). It's significant in the sense that Arsenal are the first “big” team Swansea have taken three points from this season. Notice I said first – Chelsea are just around the corner.
So, what went right this Sunday?
The team selection worked. While the keeper, back four and striker usually write themselves, midfield is always a headache (albeit a good one). This time, the combo of Allen, Agustien and Britton worked well in the first half, with Dyer and Sinclair both well on form at the same time (for a change).
Dyer deserved the man of the match award – well-earned from the little winger after setting up the penalty and scoring a fine strike himself. It was the third game in a row in which he scored, meaning he is becoming more of a well-rounded player, combining dizzy runs and an abundance of speed with goals... finally. He'll be a target for a number of teams come the summer.
This kind of thing I felt was missing in the first half of the season: long shots. by anyone, not just Dyer. Walking every ball into the goal was never an option in this league. I'm not sure what has changed recently – a managerial decision or just more confidence – but long shots are being taken more frequently, with some being scored. Good.
At half time I felt Kemy Agustien was taken off a little prematurely – he was having a decent game. However, Gylfi Sigurdsson made an appearance and the decision paid off. Nice to see the Icelandicman (Icelandian? Ice... forget it) slot into the squad with ease. Midfield is surely well equipped now, especially with Josh McEachran on his way next week. Britton, Allen, Gower, Agustien, Orlandi, Sigurdsson, McEachran... as each game goes by, it is hard to see where Stephen Dobbie will fit in.
Captain Ashley Williams did well enough to quell most of the danger, though his passing was uncharacteristically sloppy at times and, though he looked dangerous going forward, his runs left a few gaps when the ball was intercepted. He did enough to have a good game though, as did the rest of defence.
Arsenal were decent. I personally don't mind them as a team (apart from when they consistently cock up my betting accumulators!) and there is plenty of talent in their ranks. I'm sure you'll agree when I say I wasn't comfortable with a one goal lead at 2-1 or at 3-2. It could have feasibly gone three ways with ten minutes left on the clock; thankfully it went the right way.
I'm not praising Arsenal too much – just enough to drill home the fact that it wouldn't be such a significant win if they were shit! I'm sure a number of those sitting in the home stands / corporate boxes only came to see Thierry Henry and team-mates grace our small city, yet left with a new found love for the Swans (or so you would hope).
So, Swansea start the week 10th in the table. With a winnable game against Sunderland on Saturday, the Swans are finally looking like the complete Premier League team.
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