Monday 17 February 2020

Swansea's season is in danger of ending with a whimper

Five games without a win and Swansea sit 11th in the Championship table, dangerously close to being pushed out of the promotion-chasing pack. The Swans' draw to Hull City at the weekend outlined defensive frailties as Steve Cooper's men conceded four goals in a thrilling 4-4 stalemate at the KCOM Stadium.
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Swansea and Hull played out an entertaining 4-4 draw.

A lot of things to work on

Swansea's league position - 11th - is hardly where Cooper and his players thought they would be five games ago. But, having failed to win in five games, the Swans have slipped down the table and almost out of sight of the promotion play-offs spots.

And, it was yet again the leaky defence which proved to be Swansea's downfall. For Swansea fans, it would have felt like a defeat, having taken the lead with just six minutes to go through Rhian Brewster's effort. But, Hull's Tom Eaves scored in the fifth minute of injury time to give both sides a point - a result which did little for both teams.

The Swans were without centre-back star Joe Rodon after he succumbed to an injury following Swansea's eventful 0-0 draw with QPR. His presence was greatly missed as the Welsh side looked like they could concede at any moment at the back. The good news is that the Welshman will be back in time for when Huddersfield Town visit the Liberty Stadium in next weekend's fixture.
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Joe Rodon is Swansea's rock at the back.

Positives

Despite the dismal run of form, Swansea could take some real positives away from the Friday night debacle. Jordon Garrick appeared for the first time in four months and even netted in the 77th minute for his first-ever league goal.

On-loan Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher was also particularly impressive. With two assists to his name, Gallagher threatened all night with the 20-year-old registering six shots - more than any other player from either side.

With Gallager justifying Cooper's decision to bring him to the Liberty Stadium, the Epsom-born loanee takes risks in the final third. Such risks were on display for Swansea's first goal as Gallagher drove into the box then delivered a wonderful cross for Wayne Routledge, which highlighted just how effective the Chelsea man can be.

If the Welsh side are going to turn things around, then Gallagher is going to be imperative with Garrick's return giving Cooper a number of headaches in terms of selection. 

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Conor Gallagher has impressed since his loan move from Chelsea.

Tough run of fixtures

Following the upcoming weekend's clash against Huddersfield Town, the Swans travel to Fulham then Blackburn before hosting leaders West Brom. Those three games could end Swansea's hopes of a play-off spot or could rejuvenate their charge to the top. 

The Swans' last game against Fulham ended in a 2-1 victory for the Cottagers, whilst their last two fixtures against Blackburn have ended in draws. To make matters worse, West Brom have won their last three games against the Welsh side too. Talk about season defining.