Category Archives: Barclaycard Premier League

Swans safe for another season despite meeting a pack of Wolves

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Who would have expected Wolves to suddenly find their teeth on Saturday at The Liberty?  Certainly not most of the sensible football betters that is for sure as well as our resident Swansea expert, Abi Davies.

Brendan Rodgers made two changes to the Swans side for Saturday’s fixture against Wolves, to that which had picked up 4 points from their previous 2 matches. Andrea Orlandi and Gary Monk were handed rare starts in an experimental 3-6-1 formation, meaning both full backs Taylor and Rangel were omitted.

Despite the formation’s potential, Swansea were too often left exposed at the back as a result of playing three centre-backs. With Gary Monk playing central and Williams and Caulker seemingly unsure of their roles as both played out in wider positions. Continue reading →

Swansea gain a point and their Premier League survival

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Whilst their survival has never been in danger, those of us who study the league tables will know you are never safe until the maths prove you are.  Swansea knew that a draw on Saturday at Bolton Wanderers would be enough and so we dispatched Abi Davies to the Reebok to join in the potential party.

Brendan Rodgers unsurprisingly named the same XI to face Bolton, to that which comprehensively condemned Blackburn to defeat seven days prior to Saturday’s match.

Swansea knew that a win at The Reebok would see them mathematically secure their Premier League status for the 2012-13 campaign with three fixtures still remaining. The Welsh side, largely backed for relegation before the commencement of the season, put themselves in the perfect position to do so with just 6 minutes played, when Scott Sinclair’s sweetly struck effort following a great move infield from the winger fired past Adam Bogdan and into the top corner.

Sinclair had a chance to double the Swans lead moments later however failed to retain the same composure as his shot blazed over the cross bar. Continue reading →

Swansea hammer another nail into Rovers coffin

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After a recent dip in form, some wags in the game suggested that the Swans inexperience at this level would see them sinking into the relegation mire.  So the game against Blackburn Rovers would be key to right the wrongs and put them safely in Mid-table.  Abi Davies was on hand to give the Nero thumbs up or down.

Swansea’s uncharacteristically lacklustre display at Loftus Road sparked concern amongst Swans fans due to the manner in which they slumped to a 4th consecutive defeat. However, efficient with their possession and direct with their approach, Swansea City delivered the perfect response to their woeful performance against Rangers by comprehensively claiming victory over Steve Kean’s Blackburn.

Gylfi Sigurdsson opened the scoring for the Welsh side, before Nathan Dyer and an own goal from Dann ensured Swansea stopped the rot and returned to winning ways. In doing so, condemning Blackburn to their 5th successive defeat. Continue reading →

Swansea fail to earn their Spurs

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Swansea’s visit to Spurs yesterday was a mouth-watering treat for those who love their football played on the ground with pace and skill.  During the week Sam Allardyce made a shocking statement that West Ham have played at times like Swansea this season.  Based on what I have seen he can be only referring to the “shoot from the half way line” pre-match competition by the substitutes.  Our regular Lily of the Valley, Abi Davies made the trip down to London for this one.

A fairly even encounter at White Hart Lane, inclusive of some scintillating football from either side, was decided largely by Spurs superior clinical ability in front of goal as they capitalised on their opportunities whilst their counterparts couldn’t do so as efficiently.

Looking to end their poor run of form in order to record a first win in 6, Spurs found themselves on the back foot early on as Routledge, Rangel and Sigurdsson in particular were combining well for the visitors in order to cause problems for Assou-Ekotto at full back.

Despite Nathan Dyer’s availability, Brendan Rodgers stuck with Sinclair and Routledge on the flanks- a decision by no means perplexing given the form of the two wide players heading into Sunday’s fixture. Having relished his opportunity in the side whilst Dyer served his suspension, Wayne Routledge demonstrated from the outset through his footwork, control, strength and deliveries into the penalty area, exactly why he is keeping Nathan Dyer out of the side. It was Routledge who almost broke the deadlock for the visitors with their first real chance of the game however his effort from the edge of the D fired marginally wide of the Spurs goal. Continue reading →

Toffees too much for high flying Swans to swallow

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Everton came to The Liberty on Saturday hoping to retain their unbeaten record against Swansea City in order to avoid a third successive league defeat but Two second half goals from Leighton Baines and Nikica Jelavic ensured they did so, condemning Swansea City to just their third home defeat this season and sending Abi Davies into a state of sorrow only made better by an intake of Wales’s finest ale.

For large spells of the first half, it appeared to be business as usual for Swansea City as they were the commanding force, despite only showing glimpses of the stylish brand of play that has earned them the highest appraisals over recent weeks. However 10 minutes before half time, Everton started to play their way into the game and after the interval continued to assert the dominance they enjoyed towards the end of the first half, pushing forward with far more penetration than their counterparts. Their bold and highly successful approach to stopping Swansea play their game was rewarded by two second half goals to which Swansea had no response. Continue reading →