Arsenal 2-1 Swans - Abject Swans cling on to 'positives'

For 30 minutes at least, Swans fans astonishingly began to believe that a near-impossible win at the Emirates was on the cards. As ever, that dream was shattered limply in the space of 10 minutes in the second half.

It could have all been so different. Should Jordan Ayew have squared the simplest of chances to Tammy Abraham when he dispossessed Per Mertesacker inside the Arsenal penalty area with minutes left until half-time, it really could've been game over.

Instead, we're left to hear the same old soundbites. Paul Clement claimed that 'a good performance is just around the corner' midweek, while citing plenty of improvements and positives after another failed good performance on Saturday.

Yes, the goal was a lovely move, Abraham's perfectly weighted pass was dispatched with calmness and precision from Sam Clucas - but where were the other positives?

Arsenal controlled the game, not just in terms of possession (of which they had 73%), but in terms of the flow and the chances. The first Arsenal goal was a tad lucky with the ball bobbling to Kolasinac rather fortunately, but the second goal was a complete and utter shambles. Ramsey was in acres of space, queuing up with other teammates inside the box, while Kolasinac had all the time in the world to pick the pass.

That second half Swans display was almost certainly one of the worst we've seen all season. The lack of changes, attacking intent and belief in the ranks at 2-1 was disturbing.

Clement said post-match: "It's always going to be a difficult test against an Arsenal side with so many quality offensive players - you have to be so focused for the whole game. I thought we deserved a point."

Words of a man clutching at straws with his job on the line, no doubt. And rightly so after another 90 minutes evidence of regression.

Arsenal v Swansea Preview (28/10/2017)

After last weekend’s result, Swansea City will look to put things right in their upcoming fixture against Arsenal. The 2-1 home loss to Leicester wasn’t what Paul Clement had in mind, and travelling to the Emirates Stadium will be no easy task.

Despite the recent loss, Swansea actually had 56% possession, meaning they had plenty of the ball throughout the game. The Swans had a number of chances, but didn’t prove to be clinical enough in the end.

Still on eight points, Swansea are hovering around the lower part of the Premier League as goal difference is the saviour of the side’s position. The total goals conceded so far isn’t actually too bad at 10, while goals scored has tallied just six. The lads need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to claim vital points this season.

The key player for Swans thus far has been Tammy Abraham. The youngster currently has four league goals to his name and proves a threat up front. His lanky physique is a great asset to have on the pitch and, if utilised correctly, Swansea have that “go-to” player.

Although we are only nine games into the season, fans will feel a little edgy after the recent loss to Leicester and there is many reasons to be. The main thing on any Premier League fans’ mind would be the security of your own team in the Premier League. Thinking about not being in that bottom three is painful at times.

For now, Swansea shouldn’t need to worry. Despite playing away to Arsenal next, there are five teams currently below them. Plus, those other teams will have to play each other and some of the top sides in the Premier League yet.

Heading into the Arsenal fixture, Arsene Wenger’s side are still missing key players. Santi Cazorla is still out injured; as are Calum Chambers, Skhodran Mustafi and Danny Welbeck. None of these three players will be back for the Swansea game.

The Swans will have four players missing for the trip to the Emirates Stadium. Kyle Bartley of course is still injured. Martin Olsson suffered a hamstring injury and doesn’t have a return date set yet. Rentao Sanches is out until November with a thigh strain and Wilfried Bony has a hamstring problem which makes him a major doubt against Arsenal.

Paul Clement will be having a headache over wanting his strongest side possible but with key players missing he will have to make due. The key now is to focus on the game ahead and hopefully grab something against Arsenal.

The Gunners may have won 5-2 at Everton last time out but they ARE conceding goals. If Swansea head into the game with a positive attitude, they could shock Arsene Wenger’s side. We have already seen them lose a few times this season and there is no reason why the Welsh side can’t beat them this weekend. 

Up the Jack Army.

Loanee must continue firing on all cylinders for the Swans

Now we already know the highest scoring player for the Swans this season is Chelsea loanee, Tammy Abraham. The 20-year-old has looked keen in front of goal and definitely has potential to do great things. But can he score more than enough goals for the Swans this season?

With only six goals scored by Swansea so far, a player like Tammy Abraham is certainly needed. Standing at 6’3, the youngster can use his towering frame to an advantage when taking part in set pieces or jostling for the ball in the air.

Tammy Abraham, or “Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham” as he is known by his birth name, has really taken to a shine at Swansea since joining on loan. He impressed at Bristol City in the Championship last season by being the league’s second top goal scorer. His tally of 23 goals was only beaten by then, Leeds striker, Chris Wood with 27.

At such a young age, Abraham has much potential and a lot to learn even though he is seen as the main threat in Paul Clements’ side. The striker has also averaged a goal for every four shots taken. With a conversion rate of 25% you would bet on the England under-21 starlet to grab plenty more goals this season.

Come the end of the campaign, Tammy Abraham could be crucial in Swansea’s final league finish. With Arsenal being the next opponents, Paul Clement will hope the young forward can cause the Gunners’ defence all sorts of issues.

Arsenal haven’t looked all that great as they have conceded 12 goals already this season. That’s more than one goal per game. Even though they beat Everton 5-2 their defence does look a little shaky. If Abraham can nit-pick his way in the upcoming game there could be an upset on the cards.

When it comes down to attacking threats, Tammy Abaraham is seen as a reliable source. He proved it in the Championship last season and he is starting to prove it this year in the Premier League. Paul Clement does have faith in him and the more time he gets the more confident he will be.

Getting a goal this weekend would be something special for the youngster but even playing any part in a positive result against Arsenal will be gladly taken.  

Swansea v Leicester Preview (21/10/2017)

After last weeks result the Swans should be in good spirits. Tammy Abraham's brace against Huddersfield secured the 2-0 home victory. Pushing Swansea into 13th place, they now look a little more comfortable.

The return of Ki Seung-Yeung was also a positive as the Korean was applauded as he stepped back onto the pitch for the first time this season. Even though Swansea won 2-0 they only had 40% possession. Showing that you don't need the ball all the time to be able to win the game.

Now on eight points, Swansea look to push on from where they are. Back to back wins would be welcomed and the next fixture is at home to a struggling Leicester side. With Craig Shakespeare shown the door, Michael Appleton has now taken the caretaker managerial role. The Foxes haven't won in their last three games and Swansea will want to take advantage.

Leicester have no new injuries but Robert Huth and Matty James are still out. For the Swans, Renato Sanches will be a slight doubt due to a thigh strain and also Wilfried Bony with a hamstring injury. Hopefully the duo can recover in time for the weekend. Kyle Bartley is the only other injury Swansea have. He won't be back until December.

So it looks like a good bit of news for Paul Clement as Sanches and Bony may be back available for selection. If they do recover in time, the boss will have plenty of options heading into the game at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

It will be more likely that the Swans boss will opt for the 4-3-1-2 formation that worked against Huddersfield last week. Depending on players possibly returning from injuries there could be a number of changes from last fixtures starting XI. However, Clement will not want to mess around with tactics too much as he will want to keep things pretty much the same if he wants to pick up another win.

Swansea have a good bit of momentum heading into this game with Leicester as the Foxes have drawn their last two games against West Brom and Bournemouth. This could be a perfect chance for Swansea to kick Leicester while they are down. Harsh it may seem but it's every team for themselves in the Premier League.

I'm going to go for a 2-1 Swans victory even though Leicester will be fighting. With that said, Swansea will be in a positive mood so they should find the flow of the game easier at home.

Swansea v Huddersfield Preview (14/10/2017)

Now the international break is over, we can all return our attention back to the Premier League. It hasn't been the best of starts for the lads as Swansea sit inside the relegation zone. With just five points from seven games played there is definitely much tweaking needed to be done.

Last outing's loss to West Ham shed a little more light on how tricky some fixtures can be despite Diafra Sakho getting the late winner. The deficits aren't even that bad it's just getting the results that is the problem at the moment. Paul Clement will obviously be speaking individually with each player on how he wants them to play this weekend against Huddersfield.

With a team like Huddersfield coming to town you would expect the Swans to at least get some sort of result. The Terriers started off their campaign fantastically with two wins against Crystal Palace and Newcastle. But since then, David Wagner's men haven't won a single match. They have only picked up three points from their last five matches and only one of them was away.

Looking at Huddersfield's records, this fixture should be a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of. But that is easier said than done. With the game being at the Liberty Stadium, there should be a home crowd urging the lads on in what is surely a winnable fixture.

If Swansea want to pick up points soon, now is the perfect time. There are no new injury problems and Ki Sung-Yeung will be a major doubt due to fitness but that is good news that we know he will be back soon. Obviously, Kyle Bartley is still out with his knee ligament injury. Ruling him out until the middle of November.

Huddersfield are expecting Colin Quaner and Steve Mounie to return from injuries but will still have a few players missing. Daniel Williams is expected to be out for another week with a fractured foot while Kasey Palmer and Michael Hefele won't be back until the middle of November. Jon Stankovic is also still out with an ACL knee injury sustained in March. He still has no return date set.

With the injury list Huddersfield have and this fixture being played at home, we should be looking at a Swansea side that can take advantage. If not there will be some serious questions asked. Huddersfield have shown their weakness lately and I think Swansea will edge them with a 1-0 victory at the Liberty Stadium this Saturday.

West Ham v Swansea Preview (30/09/2017)

Heading into the weekend, Swansea face another task in the Premier League this season. The lads will be travelling to the all-new, London Stadium this Saturday. Facing West Ham will be a tough test as no win in three games means results are needed sooner rather than later.

Last week's 2-1 loss at home to Watford wasn't ideal and focusing on the game ahead is key. Any form of result would be welcomed as the Premier League is starting to take its shape. With that being said, it is still quite open. Five points only separate 19th up to 11th place.

If you are thinking Swansea might not get anything against West Ham, think again. In their three Premier League away games this season they are unbeaten. A 0-0 draw at Southampton, a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace and a 0-0 draw at Tottenham.

Continuing an away form would be ideal against West Ham and Paul Clement will hope his squad will put in a good performance as well.

Nathan Dyer may be in contention to make a comeback into the squad after he appeared for the under 23's last week in a 3-1 defeat to Man City. The winger played 58 minutes after returning from a long-term ruptured Achilles tendon injury. He had been out since February and is hoping to make the squad this Saturday.

Kyle Bartley is still out until October with a ruptured knee ligament. Ki Sung-Yeung is expected to return from his knee injury but will likely feature for the under 23's this weekend against Celtic on his return to full fitness.

West Ham will be without Michail Antonio, James Collins and Manuel Lanzini through various injuries. Pedro Obiang and Edimilson Fernandes will be major doubts which Swansea will want to take advantage of this Saturday.

With the away form, it should be at least an interesting game from the neutral but the Swans need to pick up those crucial points when needed. 

The League Cup draw and Swans v Watford Preview (23/09/2017)

The away win on Tuesday night was a great result from the lads as they headed into the last 16 of the League Cup. Goals from Alfie Mawson and Jordan Ayew sealed the 2-0 win at the Madejski Stadium.

Now into the next stage, Paul Clement will be aware of the side arriving at the Liberty Stadium on the 24th October. Manchester United. A huge draw for the club as there is a chance of redemption considering what happened a while back. We don't want to be reminded.

With Watford arriving at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, there is a chance for Wilfried Bony to make his first team start this season. We're pretty sure Swans fans will be singing his popularized "Come on Wilfried Bony" song. It would mean the world to him and all Swansea fans if he could get himself on the scoresheet this weekend.

There will be no new injury worries ahead of this weekend's fixture. Nathan Dyer will face a late fitness test after suffering an Achilles injury. Paul Clement will pretty much have a full-strength squad as we look forward to a winnable game.

Watford did recently suffer at the hands of Man City last weekend 6-0 so it should be a good sign. They were unbeaten but Pep Guardiola's side may have knocked their confidence. It would be a perfect time to play Watford, especially at home.

Marco Silva's side have a few injury problems but two players will be slight doubts in returning this weekend. Kiko Femenia has been out with a head injury and Sebastian Prodl with a hamstring problem. Both players are 50/50 in being available to play on Saturday.

Mauro Zarate, Younes Kaboul, Craig Cathcart and Tommie Hoban will all still be unavailable. That is something Swansea fans would rather hear but the job needs to be done on Saturday. Whether it's a scrappy game or very close. The three points need to be certain and a game against a Watford side right now shows the potential of a possible victory.

A win at home would be great but a goal for the returning Wilfried Bony would be something in the script. We hope that it can be a perfect day at the Liberty Stadium.