Bar one very important game, Swansea City's incredibly entertaining Championship season has ended! The date with Reading in the Wembley final is booked for 30th May, where Swansea can seal their next season in the Premier League.
Before that though, it's nice to take a moment and look back on the season just gone - to remind ourselves of the journey the Swans took to get to where they are now: the ups, the downs, the ins and the outs. We may say "Ah yeah, I remember that game!" or "I'd rather forget that one happened..."
So enjoy the forzaswansea.com brief revisit of Swansea City's 2010/11 Season!
- July 2010 (Pre-season) -
After Paulo Sousa scuttles off to Leicester, Swansea City hunt for a new man in charge. Despite nobody knowing much about this chubby little Irishman, Brendan Rodgers is appointed manager.
- August -
Chelsea youngster Scott Sinclair signs for the Swans on a three-year deal.
The 2010/11 season begins and Brendan Rodgers sees his first league game in charge as a 2-0 loss away to Hull. Swans fans panic. The next two games deliver a 3-0 win and a 4-0 win. Panic over, Rodgers is a hero! Swans fans haven't seen this kind of score for too long, after the goal drought the previous season. The next game is an away loss, followed by another two home wins. A pattern is emerging...
End of month position in the table : 12th
- September -
The pattern continues with an away loss to Leeds and another consecutive two home wins. However, the league away curse is broken after a crazy 3-2 win against Watford.
Frank Nouble joins the Swans from West Ham on a three-month loan deal.
End of month position in the table : 8th
- October -
Marvin Emnes joins the Swans on a month's loan from Middlesbrough. Frank Nouble's loan is cut short after an injury, so he returns to West Ham after making little impact in South Wales. Another new(ish) face at the club this month is Kemy Agustien, who finally signed a two-year deal after impressing on trial in the summer.
In the Carling Cup, Swansea lose 2-0 away to Wigan in front of some disgruntled travelling supporters, unhappy with the weakened team Brendan Rodgers chose to field against Roberto Martinez's team.
End of month position in the table : 3rd
- November -
Swansea win the South Wales derby, beating Cardiff 1-0 away from the Liberty thanks to a goal from Marvin Emnes, who left the club later in the month.
Elsewhere Darren Pratley is booed by some Swans fans after refusing to sign a new contract and taking a massive dip in form. Jermaine Easter is signed on loan from MK Dons and is, too, booed by some fans who dislike his Cardiff connection. As you can see, a lot of unnecessary booing took place this month.
End of month position in the table : 3rd
- December -
Swansea go through a rough patch, with many results not going their way, including their biggest defeat of the season (losing 4-0 away to QPR). The booing continues into December.
Christmas time (everyone gets fat and drunk – especially Michael Chopra).
End of month position in the table : 3rd
- January 2011 -
The January transfer window saw plenty ins and outs for the Swans.
Outs: The ever likeable, but not so goal capable, Shefki Kuqi ended his contract by mutual consent, while Gorka Pintado left the club on loan to AEK Larnaca FC (Cyprus). Jermaine Easter returns to MK Dons at their request.
Ins: The departure of three strikers sees Luke Moore join the club, signing on a two-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee (rumoured to be a free transfer). The biggest shock was the re-signing of Leon Britton, who returned to South Wales after leaving the club the previous year. Elsewhere attacking-midfielder Ryan Harley joined the club, though remained at Exeter (on loan) until the end of the season.
Swansea lose 2-1 at home to Leyton Orient, ending any hopes of further progression in the FA Cup.
Demolition on the Vetch field began in this month.
End of month position in the table : 3rd
- February -
David Edgar was apparently re-signed on-loan, though he never actually appeared at the club due to technicalities and little was mentioned of it again. Elsewhere, David Cotterill is sent on loan to Portsmouth, after a dip in form sees him struggle to make the starting line-up (the constant penalty misses didn't help his case).
Swansea were unable to do the league double over Cardiff for this first time, losing 1-0 at home after a late Craig Bellamy goal. February also saw the intense Middlesbrough game, where the Swans eventually came back from a 3-1 almost-certain loss by winning 4-3. Their away form peaked at this point, allowing four wins in a row (home and away) - the biggest winning run of their season.
End of month position in the table : 2nd
- March -
Brendan Rodgers swipes his Chelsea card again and claims Fabio Borini on loan for the remainder of the season. The Italian scores a brace on his debut, casting Luke Moore into the shadows. Tamas Priskin also joins the club on loan from Ipswich.
The international break halts play for a few weeks.
End of month position in the table : 3rd
- April -
A media ban on Swansea players is issued by Huw Jenkins, who wants to focus on winning games. However, Swansea continue with their bad away form, which begins to dent their hopes of automatic promotion – something that looked near certain earlier in the year. However the Swans go on to secure a place in the play-offs after beating Ipswich 4-1.
Tamas Priskin is injured and returns to Ipswich after scoring one goal for the club.
End of month position in the table : 4th
- May -
Swansea play their final league game at home: a routine 4-0 victory against Ipswich, ending the season in 3rd place in the Championship table.
Swansea face 6th place Nottingham Forest in the play-offs.
They draw the away leg 0-0, after Neil Taylor is sent off in the second minute.
The second leg sees a crazy game at the Liberty Stadium, full of entertainment. The Swans eventually beat Nottingham Forest 3-1, including a wonder strike from Leon Britton and a last-gasp goal from the halfway line by Darren Pratley.
Swansea go on to play Reading in the Championship play-off final in Wembley...
...(the Swans will write this next line on Monday 30th!)
Saturday 21 May 2011
Saturday 14 May 2011
Nightmare start, dream finish?
Firstly, thanks to my host, blogger.com, for scheduling maintenance during the first play-off date, allowing no new uploads – great timing. I had a match report for you but as it's now old news, I will instead give a few thoughts on the game before looking ahead to Monday's crucial second leg.
As you are aware, Swansea played out a well-fought draw on Thursday night; a positive result indeed, considering the circumstances.
It really was the nightmare start for the Swans. I just sat shaking my head as the flicker of red emerged from Mike Dean's pocket. In all fairness, it was a silly, poorly-timed tackle by Neil Taylor and he deserved to be punished, but the sending off seemed harsh considering it was just the second minute in and nerves were obviously high. Going by the book, the ref was right, though a little compassion could've been used. Meanwhile, despite the bad tackle, McGugan was caught out with his sneaky “have I done enough to get him punished” look to the bench instead of actually “being hurt” which understandably wound up quite a few!
As well as losing Taylor so early on, it was heartbreaking to see Stephan Dobbie make way for Garry Monk. He was truly missed. In a game where Swansea were dominating for quite a while, Dobbie's presence would've been a massive asset. He would've created even more opportunities and had some vital shots when shots were needed. It's just one of those things I guess. At least he is well rested for the second leg now!
It appears Swansea will, rightly, appeal this red card, with the hearing scheduled for Monday morning. It will be a big boost to have Taylor back in the squad, though praise does go to Monk, Tate and the rest of the defence – very solid throughout the match (though a few too many corners given away unnecessarily for my liking). Should the appeal not go Swansea's way however, a back four of Monk, Tate, Williams and Rangel is still one mean, experienced defence.
A further boost is the news of Fabio Borini being deemed playable for Monday. He left the field during the first leg thanks to a hamstring injury and though Moore did sufficient work to keep Swansea attacking, he isn't the man I want starting on Monday. The threat Borini provides via his speed, accuracy, flair and set-piece ability is something Moore can't currently contend with, so news of a fit Fabio is very palatable!
Monday will provide new challenges and, despite having the home advantage, Swansea can't begin to look ahead to Wembley. It's definitely on the cards with Swansea looking the better team in many aspects, though Forest aren't in the play-offs for no reason. They have plenty of attacking power, with McGugan and Earnshaw proving difficult to control at times. McGugan's 30-yard, blistering shot on Thursday is proof of this danger.
With this in mind I am still extremely confident that Brendan and his men can secure a spot in the final as long as they embrace the pressure and keep focused.
Win the next two games and it's into the Premier League. Simple!
As you are aware, Swansea played out a well-fought draw on Thursday night; a positive result indeed, considering the circumstances.
It really was the nightmare start for the Swans. I just sat shaking my head as the flicker of red emerged from Mike Dean's pocket. In all fairness, it was a silly, poorly-timed tackle by Neil Taylor and he deserved to be punished, but the sending off seemed harsh considering it was just the second minute in and nerves were obviously high. Going by the book, the ref was right, though a little compassion could've been used. Meanwhile, despite the bad tackle, McGugan was caught out with his sneaky “have I done enough to get him punished” look to the bench instead of actually “being hurt” which understandably wound up quite a few!
As well as losing Taylor so early on, it was heartbreaking to see Stephan Dobbie make way for Garry Monk. He was truly missed. In a game where Swansea were dominating for quite a while, Dobbie's presence would've been a massive asset. He would've created even more opportunities and had some vital shots when shots were needed. It's just one of those things I guess. At least he is well rested for the second leg now!
It appears Swansea will, rightly, appeal this red card, with the hearing scheduled for Monday morning. It will be a big boost to have Taylor back in the squad, though praise does go to Monk, Tate and the rest of the defence – very solid throughout the match (though a few too many corners given away unnecessarily for my liking). Should the appeal not go Swansea's way however, a back four of Monk, Tate, Williams and Rangel is still one mean, experienced defence.
A further boost is the news of Fabio Borini being deemed playable for Monday. He left the field during the first leg thanks to a hamstring injury and though Moore did sufficient work to keep Swansea attacking, he isn't the man I want starting on Monday. The threat Borini provides via his speed, accuracy, flair and set-piece ability is something Moore can't currently contend with, so news of a fit Fabio is very palatable!
Monday will provide new challenges and, despite having the home advantage, Swansea can't begin to look ahead to Wembley. It's definitely on the cards with Swansea looking the better team in many aspects, though Forest aren't in the play-offs for no reason. They have plenty of attacking power, with McGugan and Earnshaw proving difficult to control at times. McGugan's 30-yard, blistering shot on Thursday is proof of this danger.
With this in mind I am still extremely confident that Brendan and his men can secure a spot in the final as long as they embrace the pressure and keep focused.
Win the next two games and it's into the Premier League. Simple!
Monday 9 May 2011
NEW PODCAST! - "It wouldn't happen in Swansea..." Episode 3
Matt returns to the studio after his heart operation to discuss the play-offs and more with Chris.
Just click play on the big orange button below and enjoy!
In this packed episode:
- Saturday's win against Sheffield
- Swansea's hopes in the play-offs
- The prospect of a Swansea vs Cardiff final
- "Plastic" fans
- Fabio Borini: will he stay?
- Matt tests Chris with "Who am I?"
- This season's heroes and zeros
- A very frantic Challenge Matt (with another format change)
...and much (well not that much) more!
Here are two photo's to look at while you listen. Don't know which one is which? Chris is the good looking one. Matt is the... the smaller thing with the odd hair.
It wouldn't happen in Swansea - Podcast - Episode 3 by ChrisCarra
Just click play on the big orange button below and enjoy!
In this packed episode:
- Saturday's win against Sheffield
- Swansea's hopes in the play-offs
- The prospect of a Swansea vs Cardiff final
- "Plastic" fans
- Fabio Borini: will he stay?
- Matt tests Chris with "Who am I?"
- This season's heroes and zeros
- A very frantic Challenge Matt (with another format change)
...and much (well not that much) more!
Here are two photo's to look at while you listen. Don't know which one is which? Chris is the good looking one. Matt is the... the smaller thing with the odd hair.
It wouldn't happen in Swansea - Podcast - Episode 3 by ChrisCarra
Friday 6 May 2011
Bite-size Blog: Swansea vs Sheffield Utd
That went quick!
It seems like just last week that I, like supporters across the city, cried: "Brendan who?!" as Swansea City appointed their new manager. Cue a massive season of ups and downs, ins and outs, and wins and losses (...and draws).
Come early Saturday afternoon the 2010/11 Championship season will officially be over. The bulk of the season will be done and dusted, though the final promotion place will be decided a few weeks later after the play-offs. This is clearly where the fate of Swansea's 2011/12 season will lie.
Before jumping too far ahead, Saturday will see the Swans take on already-relegated Sheffield United at the Liberty Stadium where a win, for many reasons, is vital.
Naturally the QPR fiasco still hasn't been resolved, though I can't see points being docked in a way that would see them drop out of the promotion places. Swansea will still want to ensure they are sitting in 3rd to bump themselves up to 2nd should the unlikely actually happen. Failing this, a win is needed to end the season on a high and to give some momentum going into the play-offs.
A big boost will be the return of Garry Monk, who rejoins the team after a stomach bug last week. Thankfully, the rest of the squad are relatively fit and healthy (apart from Ferrie Bodde... obviously), which can only be a good thing.
What results mean:
Currently the unresolved QPR situation hangs over the top of the league (just one of the reasons I kept putting this blog post off as I, like every other football fan, am confused as to what's happening). If QPR don't get docked any meaningful points though, the season for Swansea will end like this:
A win would see them finish in 3rd position, providing Cardiff lose (or draw, but goal difference starts to play a role then). If Cardiff win, then Swansea will end the season in 4th.
A draw would also mean Swansea stay in 4th spot.
A loss may see Swansea drop to 5th if Reading win. If Reading lose though, a loss would mean Swansea would remain in 4th.
Betting on the game?
Swansea will definitely be aiming to go into the play-offs off the back of a good win, though Sheffield United will be playing for pride. Sometimes teams like this are dangerous as they have literally nothing to lose, so may go all out attack for a final hurrah in the Championship.
With this in mind I still see the Swans winning, so will say a comfortable 2-0 win at home. As for goal scorers? Alan Tate needs to get his goal this season – for all the money I've wasted on him getting a cheeky goal, he needs to score tomorrow... doesn't he?
Stay tuned for my end of season review coming very soon, with a new podcast hopefully being released on Monday!
It seems like just last week that I, like supporters across the city, cried: "Brendan who?!" as Swansea City appointed their new manager. Cue a massive season of ups and downs, ins and outs, and wins and losses (...and draws).
Come early Saturday afternoon the 2010/11 Championship season will officially be over. The bulk of the season will be done and dusted, though the final promotion place will be decided a few weeks later after the play-offs. This is clearly where the fate of Swansea's 2011/12 season will lie.
Before jumping too far ahead, Saturday will see the Swans take on already-relegated Sheffield United at the Liberty Stadium where a win, for many reasons, is vital.
Naturally the QPR fiasco still hasn't been resolved, though I can't see points being docked in a way that would see them drop out of the promotion places. Swansea will still want to ensure they are sitting in 3rd to bump themselves up to 2nd should the unlikely actually happen. Failing this, a win is needed to end the season on a high and to give some momentum going into the play-offs.
A big boost will be the return of Garry Monk, who rejoins the team after a stomach bug last week. Thankfully, the rest of the squad are relatively fit and healthy (apart from Ferrie Bodde... obviously), which can only be a good thing.
What results mean:
Currently the unresolved QPR situation hangs over the top of the league (just one of the reasons I kept putting this blog post off as I, like every other football fan, am confused as to what's happening). If QPR don't get docked any meaningful points though, the season for Swansea will end like this:
A win would see them finish in 3rd position, providing Cardiff lose (or draw, but goal difference starts to play a role then). If Cardiff win, then Swansea will end the season in 4th.
A draw would also mean Swansea stay in 4th spot.
A loss may see Swansea drop to 5th if Reading win. If Reading lose though, a loss would mean Swansea would remain in 4th.
Betting on the game?
Swansea will definitely be aiming to go into the play-offs off the back of a good win, though Sheffield United will be playing for pride. Sometimes teams like this are dangerous as they have literally nothing to lose, so may go all out attack for a final hurrah in the Championship.
With this in mind I still see the Swans winning, so will say a comfortable 2-0 win at home. As for goal scorers? Alan Tate needs to get his goal this season – for all the money I've wasted on him getting a cheeky goal, he needs to score tomorrow... doesn't he?
Stay tuned for my end of season review coming very soon, with a new podcast hopefully being released on Monday!
Friday 29 April 2011
Bite-size Blog: Swansea vs Millwall
With a play-off place secure, Swansea can do two things.
They can start resting the Dyers, the Sinclairs and the Monks of the team to ensure that, come the emotionally and physically draining play-off games, these vital players are fit and ready, or they can go into the last two all guns blazing and look for two wins to give them the confidence and momentum they need for the play-offs.
I feel it'll probably be a mixture of both, with players like Nathan Dyer playing an hour of a game before being subbed to keep his stamina at peak levels, while giving the Swans a fighting chance at some confidence before the play-offs.
I keep forgetting that, mathematically, auto-promotion is still possible for the Swans, though if they were aiming for the auto spots, losing four away games in a row wasn't the best way to go about it. Still, if it's even slightly possible, they must play for a win.
Millwall are currently two points out of the play-off positions in 7th, which means they will be fighting and fighting for a win and a step closer to the Premier League. If Swansea have struggled on the road recently, they will find the game against Millwall very tough. A win for the Swans is not impossible, though away form seems to be saying it could well be...
What results mean:
The last few weeks of bite-size blogging has focussed strongly on this section, yet it's not as life changing now that we know Swansea will probably finish in 4th and face Reading in the play-offs. Remember, I said "probably".
A win would be ideal as they desperately need to show themselves and the supporters that it isn't impossible to win games away from the Liberty. A win wouldn't change anything in the table though: Swansea would remain in 4th as Cardiff are just out of reach in 3rd.
A draw would see things stay the same, but only if Reading lose. Should Reading win and Swansea draw, they would switch places with Swansea ending the day in 5th.
A loss would mean the same as a draw at this stage, but a loss would also damage the away confidence even further. Considering the next away game will be the 1st/2nd leg of the play-offs, a loss is not a great result to walk away with.
Betting on the game?
After thrashing Ipswich on Monday, Swansea have shown that they can come off periods of bad form and win games when they need to so, with that in mind, an outright win for the Swans against Millwall is currently 2/1 (PaddyPower.com) and worth a fiver at least!
Elsewhere, should he play and not rest, a few pounds on the unstoppable Fabio Borini to score first is a good bet.
As for predictions: if Swansea are going to win, it will be by one goal. 1-0 seems reasonable. I can't see an open, goals-galore game (watch now - it'll be 5-3 to Swansea after a hat-trick in the first five minutes...). I'd say 2-1 is also a possibility, but only if Swansea score first.
They can start resting the Dyers, the Sinclairs and the Monks of the team to ensure that, come the emotionally and physically draining play-off games, these vital players are fit and ready, or they can go into the last two all guns blazing and look for two wins to give them the confidence and momentum they need for the play-offs.
I feel it'll probably be a mixture of both, with players like Nathan Dyer playing an hour of a game before being subbed to keep his stamina at peak levels, while giving the Swans a fighting chance at some confidence before the play-offs.
I keep forgetting that, mathematically, auto-promotion is still possible for the Swans, though if they were aiming for the auto spots, losing four away games in a row wasn't the best way to go about it. Still, if it's even slightly possible, they must play for a win.
Millwall are currently two points out of the play-off positions in 7th, which means they will be fighting and fighting for a win and a step closer to the Premier League. If Swansea have struggled on the road recently, they will find the game against Millwall very tough. A win for the Swans is not impossible, though away form seems to be saying it could well be...
What results mean:
The last few weeks of bite-size blogging has focussed strongly on this section, yet it's not as life changing now that we know Swansea will probably finish in 4th and face Reading in the play-offs. Remember, I said "probably".
A win would be ideal as they desperately need to show themselves and the supporters that it isn't impossible to win games away from the Liberty. A win wouldn't change anything in the table though: Swansea would remain in 4th as Cardiff are just out of reach in 3rd.
A draw would see things stay the same, but only if Reading lose. Should Reading win and Swansea draw, they would switch places with Swansea ending the day in 5th.
A loss would mean the same as a draw at this stage, but a loss would also damage the away confidence even further. Considering the next away game will be the 1st/2nd leg of the play-offs, a loss is not a great result to walk away with.
Betting on the game?
After thrashing Ipswich on Monday, Swansea have shown that they can come off periods of bad form and win games when they need to so, with that in mind, an outright win for the Swans against Millwall is currently 2/1 (PaddyPower.com) and worth a fiver at least!
Elsewhere, should he play and not rest, a few pounds on the unstoppable Fabio Borini to score first is a good bet.
As for predictions: if Swansea are going to win, it will be by one goal. 1-0 seems reasonable. I can't see an open, goals-galore game (watch now - it'll be 5-3 to Swansea after a hat-trick in the first five minutes...). I'd say 2-1 is also a possibility, but only if Swansea score first.
Friday 22 April 2011
The heat is... off
In what is certainly another massive game against Portsmouth this Saturday, the pressure may have eased slightly for Brendan's men.
“What the...?” you may ask as your pointer hovers over the X in top right corner of your screen.
Keep listening. I genuinely feel the pressure on the Swans to put in a massive performance is slightly less than in previous weeks. Don't get me wrong, this is not the time for the team to take games casually, but because the play-offs are now where their promotion hopes lie (with the auto-promotion places more than likely going to Norwich or Cardiff), the Swans have a focused date of May 30th to aim towards.
In fact, so long as the Swans claim seven points from their last four games, they will get into the play-offs. I feel if they now chase an auto-promotion spot they are aiming too high. The team had the chance to remain in 2nd, and even chase the top spot, but lost their nerve slightly a few weeks back.
This isn't to say they shouldn't go for the win tomorrow and for the following three games, but by mentally taking some pressure off, the team can play their brand of smooth, fast football without having to worry about conceding the odd goal. Naturally the pressure will be piled back on during the play-offs, but at least they will be there, instead of slipping out at the last moment, like last season.
These are only the ideas of one man, and naturally may not be the philosphy of the team, players or any other supporter. Just like to throw that out there.
The next four games may now be the last time Brendan Rodgers can play around a little to figure out what his best, play-off winning team is and, more of an issue it seems, what his best substitution options are. Who replaces Dyer or Sinclair if they come off due to fatigue? Moore isn't working on the wing, and neither is Priskin. Play Borini on the wing? What about using Rangel as a winger and Tate as LB? As I've said in past blogs, without Dyer and Sinclair out wide, the Swans don't seem to function properly and this needs to be changed now.
With all this idea in mind, let's have a little preview of Saturday's game vs. Portsmouth:
What results mean:
A win is still very important. All three points could see the Swans back in 4th, so long as Reading lose.
A draw now would still see the ForzaSwansea “seven points in four games” idea work out. A draw would see the Swans remain in 5th with 71 points.
A loss wouldn't actually change much either: Swansea would hold onto their 5th place spot as Leeds are too far behind to overtake them at this stage.
Betting on the game?
It's been a while since Swansea have walked away with three points on the road. I feel it will happen on Saturday, and am predicting 1-0 to Swansea, Borini to score.
This isn't the ideal way to finish the season, but for a manager new to the club, Rodgers has really brought the team up to a different level. This time last year we were umm-ing and ahh-ing over who to play up front. Kuqi, Pintado or overweight Trundle. Depressing options. Just think how exciting things have become in the last season! It's a joy to watch and, whatever happens in the next month, you know you'll always get value for money with Swansea City!
“What the...?” you may ask as your pointer hovers over the X in top right corner of your screen.
Keep listening. I genuinely feel the pressure on the Swans to put in a massive performance is slightly less than in previous weeks. Don't get me wrong, this is not the time for the team to take games casually, but because the play-offs are now where their promotion hopes lie (with the auto-promotion places more than likely going to Norwich or Cardiff), the Swans have a focused date of May 30th to aim towards.
In fact, so long as the Swans claim seven points from their last four games, they will get into the play-offs. I feel if they now chase an auto-promotion spot they are aiming too high. The team had the chance to remain in 2nd, and even chase the top spot, but lost their nerve slightly a few weeks back.
This isn't to say they shouldn't go for the win tomorrow and for the following three games, but by mentally taking some pressure off, the team can play their brand of smooth, fast football without having to worry about conceding the odd goal. Naturally the pressure will be piled back on during the play-offs, but at least they will be there, instead of slipping out at the last moment, like last season.
These are only the ideas of one man, and naturally may not be the philosphy of the team, players or any other supporter. Just like to throw that out there.
The next four games may now be the last time Brendan Rodgers can play around a little to figure out what his best, play-off winning team is and, more of an issue it seems, what his best substitution options are. Who replaces Dyer or Sinclair if they come off due to fatigue? Moore isn't working on the wing, and neither is Priskin. Play Borini on the wing? What about using Rangel as a winger and Tate as LB? As I've said in past blogs, without Dyer and Sinclair out wide, the Swans don't seem to function properly and this needs to be changed now.
With all this idea in mind, let's have a little preview of Saturday's game vs. Portsmouth:
What results mean:
A win is still very important. All three points could see the Swans back in 4th, so long as Reading lose.
A draw now would still see the ForzaSwansea “seven points in four games” idea work out. A draw would see the Swans remain in 5th with 71 points.
A loss wouldn't actually change much either: Swansea would hold onto their 5th place spot as Leeds are too far behind to overtake them at this stage.
Betting on the game?
It's been a while since Swansea have walked away with three points on the road. I feel it will happen on Saturday, and am predicting 1-0 to Swansea, Borini to score.
This isn't the ideal way to finish the season, but for a manager new to the club, Rodgers has really brought the team up to a different level. This time last year we were umm-ing and ahh-ing over who to play up front. Kuqi, Pintado or overweight Trundle. Depressing options. Just think how exciting things have become in the last season! It's a joy to watch and, whatever happens in the next month, you know you'll always get value for money with Swansea City!
Sunday 17 April 2011
Two gifts for Burnley
I don't quite know how to start this blog post. It seems Saturday's game against Burnley was one of the many defining points of the season.
Though technically one automatic promotion spot is still in reach, it relies on too many other factors to go Swansea's way for it to be a realistic dream. But the play-offs are still fully up for grabs, and that is where the team, and fans, should now focus their attention.
Brendan Rodgers explained in a post match interview that his main task of surviving in the Championship is complete (I don't think that task was in any doubt from a couple of games in), and to be in a near play-off position is great. While I will agree with him that it's a great position to be in, being a couple of points off the top spot earlier in the season means anything but promotion would now seem a little disappointing to fans.
Right, I've tried to put it off, but there must be a mention of Saturday's falling apart against Burnley.
I felt, as I'm sure many listening to the dramatic radio commentary did, that Swansea had a great first half and were showing that they were a changed team on the road. Britton and Pratley added some solidity to the midfield and defensive mistakes were kept to a minimum.
Then came the second half. Fabio Borini beat the offside trap and scored his first away goal in a white shirt. Brilliant! The travelling Swans were ahead. This was the time they needed to learn from past mistakes, most recently in the previous game against Hull, and build on the lead. After three minutes things were looking good, Swansea hadn't conceded, they were still ahead. Then... then we hear of an own goal. Ashley Williams is able to beat De Vries with a header, putting the home team level.
An own goal is unlucky. As is a penalty (I'm getting to that). But these two things come from defensive errors and letting the opposition pressure you deep. It's unavoidable at times, but with the Swans dominating the first half and then scoring early in the second, they shouldn't have let Burnley get their heads up. But they did. Then, during the 76th minute, Burnley won a penalty (told you I'd get to it) thanks to a rare Rangel error and the game was as well as over.
What can you say? It is crushing. If it was a 1-0 loss, say, after Burnley had strung together a few nice passes early on in the game then shut up shop, it wouldn't have been so bad. But to literally gift Burnley with two easy goals, after taking the lead, shows that Swansea don't have the cutting edge they need to consistently win games.
There was no blaming the bowling green pitch this time and the "curse of the black shirts" wasn't a plausible excuse either.
Nevermind though! As I said, it's disappointing but the play-offs are just around the corner and, so long as Swansea can pick up about six points in the next four games, they will be around to battle for that final promotion spot. A good idea would be to get the results with minimal effort (is that possible?) and rest some vital players at home, so everyone is refreshed and raring to the play-off games. This is one of the best positions the team has been in in many, many years so, despite little disappointments, the team as a whole should be applauded.
This brings me onto my side note: the Mark Gower incident. I have yet to see this, but rumour has it (and there are many) that one/a few travelling Swans fans were shouting abuse at Swansea as they left the pitch (singling out Gower). Gower retaliated by showing one or more fingers to this group. What can you say? Not much. A minority of stupid fans get over emotional and then hurl abuse, which shouldn't happen, no matter how angry they feel. Meanwhile, Mark Gower shouldn't have reacted. He is a professional and, despite being full of emotion himself, is being paid handsomely to act in a specific way. A role model to youngsters should just suck it up and let the cool headed fans sort the abusers out. Lesson learnt: just leave the stands in silence if you didn't think anything of the performance (this goes for players and supporters alike).
With that, I leave you with this thought. Swansea vs Cardiff, Wembley, May 30th. Anyone fancy that?
Though technically one automatic promotion spot is still in reach, it relies on too many other factors to go Swansea's way for it to be a realistic dream. But the play-offs are still fully up for grabs, and that is where the team, and fans, should now focus their attention.
Brendan Rodgers explained in a post match interview that his main task of surviving in the Championship is complete (I don't think that task was in any doubt from a couple of games in), and to be in a near play-off position is great. While I will agree with him that it's a great position to be in, being a couple of points off the top spot earlier in the season means anything but promotion would now seem a little disappointing to fans.
Right, I've tried to put it off, but there must be a mention of Saturday's falling apart against Burnley.
I felt, as I'm sure many listening to the dramatic radio commentary did, that Swansea had a great first half and were showing that they were a changed team on the road. Britton and Pratley added some solidity to the midfield and defensive mistakes were kept to a minimum.
Then came the second half. Fabio Borini beat the offside trap and scored his first away goal in a white shirt. Brilliant! The travelling Swans were ahead. This was the time they needed to learn from past mistakes, most recently in the previous game against Hull, and build on the lead. After three minutes things were looking good, Swansea hadn't conceded, they were still ahead. Then... then we hear of an own goal. Ashley Williams is able to beat De Vries with a header, putting the home team level.
An own goal is unlucky. As is a penalty (I'm getting to that). But these two things come from defensive errors and letting the opposition pressure you deep. It's unavoidable at times, but with the Swans dominating the first half and then scoring early in the second, they shouldn't have let Burnley get their heads up. But they did. Then, during the 76th minute, Burnley won a penalty (told you I'd get to it) thanks to a rare Rangel error and the game was as well as over.
What can you say? It is crushing. If it was a 1-0 loss, say, after Burnley had strung together a few nice passes early on in the game then shut up shop, it wouldn't have been so bad. But to literally gift Burnley with two easy goals, after taking the lead, shows that Swansea don't have the cutting edge they need to consistently win games.
There was no blaming the bowling green pitch this time and the "curse of the black shirts" wasn't a plausible excuse either.
Nevermind though! As I said, it's disappointing but the play-offs are just around the corner and, so long as Swansea can pick up about six points in the next four games, they will be around to battle for that final promotion spot. A good idea would be to get the results with minimal effort (is that possible?) and rest some vital players at home, so everyone is refreshed and raring to the play-off games. This is one of the best positions the team has been in in many, many years so, despite little disappointments, the team as a whole should be applauded.
This brings me onto my side note: the Mark Gower incident. I have yet to see this, but rumour has it (and there are many) that one/a few travelling Swans fans were shouting abuse at Swansea as they left the pitch (singling out Gower). Gower retaliated by showing one or more fingers to this group. What can you say? Not much. A minority of stupid fans get over emotional and then hurl abuse, which shouldn't happen, no matter how angry they feel. Meanwhile, Mark Gower shouldn't have reacted. He is a professional and, despite being full of emotion himself, is being paid handsomely to act in a specific way. A role model to youngsters should just suck it up and let the cool headed fans sort the abusers out. Lesson learnt: just leave the stands in silence if you didn't think anything of the performance (this goes for players and supporters alike).
With that, I leave you with this thought. Swansea vs Cardiff, Wembley, May 30th. Anyone fancy that?
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