End of an Era? | Manchester United 2 - 0 Swansea City
In
the early kick off Manchester City had defeated Newcastle United to
strengthen their position and be within touching distance of their
first league title since 1968. As Swansea visited the theatre of
dreams, it is safe to say that their dreams had come true. With the
away fans making a lot of noise at the start of the game the
atmosphere was understandably somewhat subdued.
Gunning
For Goals
Manchester
United dominated proceedings but it took until the 28th minute for
the Reds to break the deadlock. Once again it was Valencia, who had
been left on the bench for the crunch game against City, who charged
up the right-wing, beating Taylor on the outside before picking out
Carrick with a pull back. Carrick’s left foot shot was heading to
the far corner but Scholes was in the right place once again to chop
the ball with his right foot behind his left leg, into the opposite
corner. Scholes was again involved in the second goal, receiving the ball from the right-wing he played it to Rooney who’s
shot from just inside the box was blocked. But the ball fell kindly
to Ashley Young and his low curling well placed finish to the bottom
right corner put United two goals ahead. This made the east stand,
near the Swansea fans, start singing ‘We’re gonna win ten nil’.
Stubborn
Swans
Manchester
United kept trying to force more goals in the second half but the
Swansea defence along with the outstanding Vorm held firm. Dyer and
Sinclair had already tested United throughout the game, before
Allen’s shot was diverted on target by Graham, but De Gea held on
at the second time of asking. The united keeper was once again called
into action with Sigurdsson’s curling, dipping, 25 yard free kick requiring a
good save.
I
have to say even in the most difficult of games Sigurdsson shone out
for the swans with great passing movement and sublime vision. Also
Allen looked better live than he does on TV with a great work rate
off the ball, and when Britton took to the field he showed his class
once again. While a romantic cameo near the end of the game was
afforded to Alan Tate, the former Manchester United youth team
captain. Although beaten on the day Swansea City showed great resolve
and put on a dignified performance.
Is
It All Over?
Wayne
Rooney picked up his first booking of the season for a fairly innocuous challenge – one for the referee’s record
book. Also Berbatov was introduced for the last twelve minutes for
what many expect will be his final appearance at Old Trafford in a
United shirt.
Finally
the lap of honour was led by Paul Scholes, it seemed to be a wave
goodbye, but Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt try to tempt him into
playing on for another season.
Who
knows what Swansea could achieve in the future having made such a
great start to life in the Premier league. As for Manchester United, history demands greatness every season and with one game remaining
the slight hope for a great 2012 rests largely with Queens Park
Rangers.
If
Manchester City win the title this season, will it spell the end of
an era? Will the ‘noisy neighbours’ go on to dominate the Premier
League in the forseeable future?
Match
Analysis
The statistics reflecte the dominant nature of the performance by Manchester United.
Manchester
United Chances
From
the 4-4-2 StatsZone app we can see that United’s attacking
threat came mainly from the right-wing. With most of the passes into
the attacking third going into that area and the majority of chances
being created from that side. Valencia playing on the right wing has been tormenting opposition towards the end of the season, and got the better of a very highly rated young fullback in Taylor.
Both goals were created from the right;
with a pass into the centre from the right-wing, followed by a failed
attempt to score leading to the goal scoring attempt.
Swansea
City Chances
The
influence of Sigurdsson can again be seen by the placement of
Swansea’s chances. These were mostly from a central position on the
edge of the box and the graphic just confirms the impact Sigurdsson
has for Swansea. He will be top of their list for a summer transfer,
but his displays for Swansea have doubled if not tripled his value.
Manchester United may well be one of the clubs interested in this
creative attacking midfielder. Could hebe a possile replacement for Scholes?
Educated by Manchester United's 'Schooles'
Man United 2 - 0 QPR
A
win for Manchester United at home to Queens Park Rangers saw them go
eight points clear of Manchester City who lost to Arsenal, later on
the same day.
Early
Controversy
United
were clear favourites to win against a struggling QPR side and began
with great composure. QPR had hardly managed to get out of their own
half when in the fourteenth minute Young was deemed to have been
fouled in the box by Derry. Although there appeared to be minimal
contact, it was enough for the referee to show Derry the red card. To
make matters worse, replays showed that Young was clearly offside
when the ball was played into him. Rooney despatched the penalty into
Kenny’s bottom right hand corner taking his tally to 22 for the
season (Rooney has scored 50% of his goals into that side of the net).
Having
been reduced to ten men, QPR never really threatened Man United, and
would have been thankful to only be one goal down at half time as
Young, Evra and Welbeck all went close to getting the second goal.
Plain
Sailing
Two
minutes into the second half United found the back of the QPR net,
but Welbeck’s goal was rightly ruled out for offside. With Scholes
spraying passes to all parts of the field, a sublime dink found its
way into Rafael’s path, who failed to score from 8 yards out.
United’s second goal was a classic Scholes strike from the edge of
the eighteen yard box. The united legend received a pass from Rafael
and showed the youngster how its done. He shifted the ball out of his
feet and dipped a driven shot under Kenny’s out-stretched Right
hand. Not long after Scholes’ midfield
partner, Carrick, thumped the ball against the inside of the post
from thirty-five yards. With United taking a total of 28 shots in the
game, QPR did well to only concede two goals.
Pass
Master
Scholes
dictated the game with his phenomenal range and accuracy of passing.
He made 114/120 passes (95% accuracy) in 74 minutes. While Carrick
managed 119/135 (88% accuracy) over 90 minutes. Scholes also created
5 chances from open play, with Carrick creating 1 chance. I see no
reason why Paul Scholes could not play a part again next season, his
midfield brain is one of the best, if not the best in the Premier
League.
He still has the sharpness in his feet to get himself out of trouble,
make half a yard and make use of the pictures already formed in his
mind.
I
should mention here that the comparison is due to Carrick playing in
essentially the same position as a centre midfielder, not to say that
he has been poor by any standard. Although in the past I have not
been too keen on Carrick, this season I have seen him being more
sure-footed and controlling in his role. With Anderson, Fletcher,
Cleverly all injured for most of the season,
and Scholes entering the fray in January, Carrick has played a
crucial role in stabilising the centre. He has had to step up to the
mark, take responsibility and that is what he has done, somewhat
unassumingly.
Team
Statistics
Statistically
there was no comparison; it would have been difficult for QPR to
match United with eleven men, but being a man down at Old Trafford
does not help anyone’s cause.
Manchester
United have now won 11 and drawn 1 of their last 12 games. With title
rivals Man City winning 7, drawing 2, and losing 3 of their previous
12. That title run-in coincides with the return of Paul Scholes, who
scored on his return.
Although
it is by no means a done deal; being eight points clear, with only
six games remaining makes United odds on favourites to win the
Premier League and clinch a record 20th English title.
(written for www.eplindex.com with stats from Opta)
The Winning habit | Manchester United 1 - 0 Fulham
With
Manchester City being held to a one all draw by Stoke, Manchester
United had the chance to open up a 3 point gap at the top of the
table. Playing at Old Trafford against an out of form Fulham side,
United were expected to take all three points.
Shaky
Start
For
the first twenty-five minutes the home team seemed to be conscious of
the possibility of being outright league leaders. A cagey start
saw Fulham grow in confidence and take the initiative. Dembele
and Dempsey went close with some good efforts, but De Gea was on top
form again to keep them out.
Regaining
Momentum
With
half an hour gone, Man United settled into patient passing and possession football, with
intermittent bursts of flare; most of which occurred on the
right-wing with Valencia looking like he was back to his best. The
Fulham defenders backed off him as he charged at them with pace and
control, linking up well with team mates. A burst into the box saw
him play a one-two with Welbeck (similar to one that lead to
Hernandez’s goal in the previous game) but Valencia’s cross was
blocked and cleared to safety.
Evra
was up and down all game supporting the attack; in the forty-first
minute his cross hit Kelly’s arm but appeals for a penalty were
waved away. From the resulting corner, following Dempsey’s
clearance, Young crossed the ball to the back post and Evans reacted
first to set up a smashing close range Rooney goal.
Controlled
Fulham
could hardly get the ball in the second half and by the sixtieth
minute Man United had 70% possession, compared to the 53% at half
time. The Red Devils went close several times, but could not convert
their chances. Schwarzer was repeatedly performing heroics in the
Fulham goal. He made a double save from Ashley Young and Giggs’
follow up was blocked by Hangeland, keeping the score at 1-0. Fulham
had a decent penalty shout in the 89th minute, but the referee could
not see it clearly and didn’t give it.
The
Upper Hand
Many
were not impressed by United, proclaiming a lack-lustre, lethargic
performance. However, the Manchester side controlled the game well for the most part and did what was needed to win the game.
For in depth stats and comparisons see: http://www.eplindex.com/13073/winning-habit-manchester-united-6-in-row.html
(written for www.eplindex.com with stats from Opta)
Back On Top | Wolves 0 - 5 Manchester United
As
we move into the final stages of the season, the very top of the
Premier League table has a familiar look to it. Manchester United
went one point clear with a win over West Brom, while Manchester City
lost to Swansea City. Wolverhampton Wanderers entertained Manchester
United, with the visitors looking to go four points clear at the top
of the table.
Wolves
were in terrible form, gaining just 4 points from the previous six
games. While Man United were mounting a title charge taking 16 Points from a possible 18. The
odds were against Wolves and even the most faithful fan would have
found it difficult to hope for a good result.
Opening
The Account
The
away team established control early on, with Valencia looking
dangerous, and Carrick going close in the thirteenth minute it was
sign of things to come. Wolves could only hold out until the
twenty-first minute before conceding from a corner. Rooney swung the
ball to the back post and Carrick knocked it back across the six yard
box for Evans to tap in his first ever goal for Man United.
Architects
Of Their Own Demise
Wolves
were went down to ten men after Zubar received a second booking in
the thirty-ninth minute and was rightly sent off. Being a goal down,
the sending off made a difficult task nigh impossible.
Man
United had scored from a corner and winning set pieces would have
been ear-marked as crucial opportunities for Wolves to score. Jarvis
won them a corner just after the forty minute mark. Welbeck was first
to meet the delivery and headed the ball out to Hernandez, ‘the
little pea’ controlled the ball well, before finding Rooney on the
right, inside the united half. Valencia went charging up the
right-wing and Rooney appreciated the effort, zipping the ball into
his path. The Wolves players didn’t have the legs to stay with the Ecuadorian as Valencia drove
into the box and hammered the ball past Hennessey.
Welbeck
added another in the 46th minute with a first time side foot shot;
Valencia providing the assist with a pull back, just 3 minutes after
the second goal.
Clinical
Below Par
Manchester
United have scored the most goals (73), lost the least amount of
games (3) and currently sit top of the table, despite being dubbed
‘below par’ this season. Last season Man United scored a total of
78 goals in the league and kept 15 clean sheets (currently on 14 this
season). Hernandez is apparently experiencing ‘second season
syndrome’ although he is into double figures with 10 goals, and has
2 assists; and last season he managed 13 goals with 1 assist.
Wolverhampton
Wanderers have conceded the most amount of goals (63) and they are
bottom of the table. With a new manager in charge, but no real
strengthening of the squad in January, the near future doesn’t look too bright.
Manchester
City managed to come from behind to beat Chelsea on Wednesday and now
they face Stoke City on Saturday. Manchester United don’t play
until Monday and will hope to have the chance to extend their lead at
the top of the table with a victory against a Fulham side that was
convincing beaten by Swansea in their last game.
Passing and Crossing Statistics
Giant Killers
Introduction To Football
With the league leaders, and the cash balance giants of English football visiting Wales, this was another huge game for Swansea. Manchester City were expecting to win and getting anything from the game would really have been a bonus for the jacks. Swansea were coming into this game off the back of a very good away win where Sigurdsson was the star of the show with two spectacular 25 yard goals. Dyer had been sent off in the 60th minute against Wigan and was therefore suspended for this game.
If you were to show the first 35 minutes of this game to someone as an introduction to Premier League football, they would have on choice but to draw the conclusion that Swansea were a far superior side to Manchester City. Swansea had attempted 5 shots on goal without reply and had 71% possession. The clearest chance was spurned by Sinclair from 12 yards out. Routledge raced onto a pass from Sinclair, knocked the ball past Hart, and was taken down inside the box. Sinclair took a fairly mellow penalty which Hart did well to save in the 6th minute – Sinclair’s first miss from the spot in two years.
Britton Allen and Sigurdsson were running the midfield, forcing Mancini into taking off Barry for Aguero and bringing a more dynamic attacking threat. The ‘sky blues’ found their feet in the final 10 minutes of the half and created a number of chances. The pressure was mounting on Swansea, as they conceded four corners in a row, but they kept Man City at bay going into half time.
Enthralling Chess Tactics
The second half was a very different story. Man City seemed to rediscover their ability and dominated most of the half. The first fifteen minutes were quite even with both teams playing good football in the ‘white rock stadium’. Then for the final thirty minutes the Swans took to protecting the centre, and their goal, like chess pieces protecting the king. All routes were blocked, clever movement and positioning cut the angles of attack available to Man City. Swansea maintained outlets for a counter attacking threat initiated by their cultivated ability to keep the ball and make sure-footed progress.
Identifying The Threat
Doing live analysis it can be difficult to grasp the tactical instructions as I have to follow the ball, but I could still see that Man City were keeping a very close eye on Sigurdsson (while doing live analysis for Opta Sports).
Speaking to Scott Helmich (Swansea’s performance analyst) after the game, he mentioned that the opposition centre midfielders most likely had clear instructions to do just that. Scott also mentioned that after Man City’s first substitution ‘they tried pressing higher after sub which created more space in behind for Gylfi to exploit’.
Which is exactly what he did just after 80 minutes. A lackluster pass from Savic failed to reach a team-mate as Sigurdsson broke from the chess formation to intercept the ball. He drove deep into the City half and held the ball up until the Swansea ranks could move forward and support him. He passed the ball out to the right-wing and it eventually found its way to Routledge who angled his run to receive the ball in an onside position. Routledge accelerated to the by-line and whipped in a curling, dipping cross to the far post; Moore rose above the defenders and seemed to hang in the air with great control as he directed a thumping header into Hart’s right hand corner.
Brave Decisions
The last ten minutes Man City looked to charge through the defensive wall by any means possible. They were desperate for a goal, but the defenders held strong and Vorm made some great saves as wave after wave of attack hit the whites. Then as Clichy crossed the ball, Richards thundered in a header and went off celebrating ecstatically, only to see the lines-woman’s flag hoisted in the air for a correctly judged offside decision.
Statistics
![\"vs](http://www.eplindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/vs-city1.jpg "\\"Giant")
The passing stats are phenomenal once again, with Swansea completing more passes than Man City even attempted. But the stat I’m personally content with is the number of crosses. Even though Swansea completed less crosses, they attempted just one more cross than Man City, and it was that final cross which lead to the goal.
The other very interesting statistic for me is that Swansea seemed to have a pattern of passing more to the right than the left throughout the season (3885 to the right, 1460 to the left – including this game). However in this game they played 130 passes in each direction. Although attacking passes were 110 to the right-wing (where the goal came from) and 43 attacking passes to the left-wing.
Banked
The position in the league, or in the bank, was of no consequence on this occasion. Swansea all but secured their place in the top-tier of english football for another year, and toppled city off the top spot. Swansea City have made a stunning impact on the Premier League and the footballing world, and this result could prove crucial in deciding where this year’s title ends up.
(written for www.eplindex.com with stats from Opta)
EPL Earth Flight | Swansea vs Norwich
Sitting pretty in the top half of the table, the two promoted sides are having an excellent debut season in the Premier League. Swansea had played well in the away fixture but could not recover from a Norwich goal blitz at the start of the game. In that game they had 60.2% possession, where as here at home they were only afforded 55.3% of the ball.
Setting The Scene
Once again Norwich got into the game quickly, high pressure from the start meant that swansea found it difficult to dictate the tempo. I felt the general pace of the game was higher than that at which Swansea usually play. The flow of the game was disjointed for large periods, mainly due to the tenacity of the Norwich players. When either team did manage to get a hold of the ball, quick, free flowing, open football seemed to be the order of the day; a typically English fixture.
Danny Graham’s form in front of goal continued as he scored a fantastic goal to take his tally to 9 For the season. The ball was crossed in, Graham controlled it and finished expertly into the top corner. Incidentally that was Graham’s first finish into the top half of the goal this season (Graham goal placement image below).
In the 40th minute Ward made a last ditch clearance, taking the ball off Graham’s toes as he lined up to tap into an open net. Swansea learned to cope with Norwich’s style of play and finished the half as the stronger team. The odds for a Norwich win were around 12/1 at half time, with Swansea odds on at 1/5.
Canaries Flying Above Swans
Norwich stormed out of the blocks in the second half as Swansea failed to capitalise on their lead. Holt restored parity within 2 minutes of the restart. Having saved a goal just before half time, Ward saved the ball from going out of play and lobbed it back into the box for Holt to head it home. Four minutes later Pilkington’s strike deflected off Taylor and put Norwich ahead as the Swans couldn’t get back into their rhythm. This was like the beginning of the reverse fixture.
Swansea went hunting for an equaliser and were hit on the counter with Bennet feeding in holt who rifled his shot under Vorm. Even after that goal swansea couldn’t really get a hold of the ball and control the game.
The penetration for Swansea came from an unexpected source in Caulker, he strode out of defence and won a free kick 25 yards out. Sigurdsson’s attempt was heading for the top corner but Ruddy palmed it away for a corner. Williams was fouled in the box by Holt as the corner came in, and Graham calmly slotted the ball home from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.
In injury time Swansea had a string of chances; Sigurdsson received the ball in the right hand side of the box and passed it into Graham’s who steered the ball wide of the left upright. Caulker’s bullet header was saved and many penalty area scrambles did not amount to a clear chance.
Venomous Movement
Norwich were able to hit Swansea on the counter with their expansive style, often attacking with free flowing football. Physically Norwich looked like they were the better team, and were able to attack Swansea with a venom that the home side lacked. The pace, flow and movement in the final third from Norwich was excellent. They were able to attack before Swansea got organised and they kept the defending players out of position by exploiting the space that had been created.
Home Entertainment
However, it is worth mentioning that Swansea played a more expansive game than they normally do. Not often will they score two goals and yet concede three at home. The full backs and defensive midfielders were very much involved going forward. This allowed Norwich the space to counter attack, and they did it with great efficiency. Being at home Swansea must have felt the need to attack their rivals and please the fans. Had this been any other top ten side I am not sure this would be the case. Both teams provided brilliant entertainment and credit must go to Norwich for a very good win.
(written for www.eplindex.com with stats from Opta)
WBA vs Swansea Stats | Sig-nificant Victory
Roy Hodgson has got West Bromich Albion playing some good football but they're also battling to stay in the league, so this was a tricky tie. However, for the first time in many games there was an expectancy for Swansea to take all three points.
Cold As Ice
With arctic conditions hitting the midlands, the weather could have hindered Swansea's style of play. But the game plan did not change and the team was functioning as per usual. Sigurdsson had the first decent chance of the game from a corner, but his volley was blocked as was Rangel's follow up strike. Swansea created most of the better chances, but West Brom could have been ahead at half time if Sigurdsson had not been there to header Olsson's attempt off the line. Vorm also made a very good reflex save from another close range Olsson strike to keep the scores level into half time. Swansea kept an amazing 73.5% of the possession in the first half. They play in this manner every week, but statistics like these never fail to amaze me.
Scorching Second
The second half was set ablaze for a short period like a rocket launch, with after burners keeping the match going until the end. WBA took the lead in the 54th minute, as Fortune drove the ball back across Vorm after a corner from the left.
The Swans hit back almost immediately, slicing through the snow and the WBA defence. Sinclair played a through ball into the box up the inside left channel for the overlapping Taylor; who played a perfectly weighted pass to the edge of the six yard box. Sigurdsson made a late driving run, opened up his body and stroked the ball into the goal.
Swansea took the lead five minutes after Fortune had scored, with a fantastic team goal. BBC's Match of The Day programme broke it down and showed in full the 19 passes that lead to the shot. Sigurdsson's right side cross from the corner of the box was met by Graham. Graham made a great little movement away then towards the front post across the defender and slid in to tuck away the winning goal.
Hitting The Target
Swansea continued to pose a threat and Graham created a great chance for Dyer, but the shot was deflected past the upright. Dyer then failed to connect with a lovely throught ball from Rangel, with Foster making a half clearance. The ball dropped to Sigurdsson who's volley was blocked. Sandwiched between the Swansea chances was a guilt-edged chance that Odemwingie hit over the bar from six yards. West Brom were pushing for the equaliser towards the end of the game and Fortune's shot crept under Vorm but he somehow squeezed it wide of the post.
WBA vs Swansea
Surprisingly Swansea only actually hit the target twice. Although a lot of the shots that were going towards goal did get blocked. Upon reflection, West Brom did have enough good opportunities to earn a draw or even win. But in terms of how the game went overall, even Roy Hodgson admitted to Swansea being the better side.
To The Right, To The Right
WBA vs Swansea
Both teams played more passes to the right than the left, with Swansea having a much higher percentage going backwards and to the right.
West Brom still managed more final third entries, and a much higher percentage in attacking half passes. While Swansea had a higher percentage of defensive half passes.
Swansea favoured the right wing, while WBA seemed to favour the left in equal measure.
Swansea Season Stats
Some interesting stats too keep an eye on there I think. Swansea play significantly more passes to the right than to the left. I will let the reader think of any possible reasons/tactics as to why this may be.
(written for www.eplindex.com with stats from Opta)
Swans Drop Two Points
Chelsea travelled to the Liberty Stadium with both teams in a good run of form, results wise. However Chelsea had not looked convincing of late, while Swansea were going from strength to strength in the league, especially at home.
Chelsea took kick off and lost the ball soon after. Swansea had 88% possession in the first four minutes, which dropped to 78% after 11 minutes. Swansea looked in control as they usually do at home.
In the seventh minute Swansea were awarded a free kick on the right wing and Sigurdsson delivered a dangerous ball into the box. Caulker was first to the ball but his header was blocked instantly, the ball fell to Graham seven yards out. He needed a touch to bring it down, which allowed Ivanovic to get a foot in and Graham’s follow through shot went wide.
Swansea had a golden chance to take the lead when Rangel over-hit a pass intended for Graham. Cech spilled the ball and went to ground outside the box, while Sigurdsson waltzed around him, and saw his shot blocked on the six yard line. The ball fell to Graham who went across goal with his left foot from 12 yards out. The ball was blocked on the line, but Graham had so much time to shift the ball onto his right foot and maybe he should have done better. Allen then followed up from 25 yards but Cech recovered to save with his legs. A ten second spell saw three swans trying their luck but failing to find a way through the Chelsea ranks.
Swansea broke the deadlock with Sinclair scoring in the 37th minute, against his former club. Chelsea failed to clear another great set piece delivery from Sigurdsson. Sinclair kept his eye on the bouncing ball and sent a curling left footed volley into Cech’s top right hand corner from 17 yards out. The game did not ignite straight away in the second half, with Swansea taking the sting out of the game and slowing the pace down.
However, by the 80th minute Chelsea had become completely dominant although Swansea managed to keep them at a comfortable distance and see out the last ten minutes.
Maybe a wave of expectancy went over the Swansea team as two minutes of injury time had gone by without any real threat. But then with 92.25 minutes played, Bosingwa cut in from the right wing with no one closing him down, and was allowed to cross the ball. Of the 43 crosses Chelsea put in, this one took the cruelest deflection off Taylor and spun past a diving Vorm.
In the end Swansea had conceded too much possession, ending the game with 46.2%, and failing to get a hold of the ball after Chelsea had Cole sent off in the 85th minute. Chelsea managed to attempt and complete more passes than Swansea, with better accuracy – a rare occurrence (413/491 vs 360/443).
Chelsea created many chances throughout the game with the better ones falling to an eager looking Sturridge. But they could not find the net, and Torres looked as though he had completely lost his strikers instinct.
It can not be denied that Chelsea deserved a draw over the 95 minutes and before the game Swansea would have taken a point. But to draw in that manner after being ahead for so long would have felt like a defeat for Swansea.
Never-the-less Swansea can once again take many positives from the game and then look at what they need to do better, so that they can convert positives into wins.
(written for www.eplindex.com with stats from Opta)
Respected But Beaten
Swansea City faced a well organised Sunderland side with a new lease of life. They had only lost one game in the last five and beaten league leaders Manchester City in that time. Sunderland were also unbeaten at home under Martin O’neill, and with Swansea’s poor away form this was going to be a tough ask.
The Most Important Statistic
Statistically this was an incredible game. Swansea completed a staggering 592 out of 676 passes, while Sunderland completed a meagre 202 out of 287. Swansea took 16 shots while Sunderland had 15, from which both sides had 6 shots blocked. Swansea ended the game with 69.1% possession, seemingly a dominant performance.The Most Important Statistic
However, statistics do not tell the whole story of this game and it was Sunderland that created the clearer chances. Sunderland began on the front foot, pinning Swansea back and making them work hard just to keep the ball, while doing well to close the angles for passes through to the wings or directly into Graham’s feet.
Sunderland were well organised, worked hard, tactically they seemed to have identified Swansea’s main threats, and tried to shut them out of the game. It took a good ten minutes before Swansea resembled the team that everyone had been lauding for the last week. They eased themselves into the game after another slow start and Sigurdsson put Dyer through on the right hand edge of Sunderland’s box. Dyer delivered a low fizzing cross which managed to find its way through to Sinclair at the back post. Somehow what seemed to be a simple tap in was sent way over the bar from the corner of the six yard box. A minute later Sunderland sliced through the Swansea defence with Sessegnon playing a one two with McClean, before caressing the ball into Vorm’s top left hand corner from a tight angle. Fourteen minutes into the game and Sunderland had the upper hand.
The half was played out with Swansea banging on the door, but left out in the cold by an unwelcoming and stubborn Sunderland team. The Swans had an astounding 73.2% of the ball by the end of the first half. But lacked the most important statistic of them all – goals.
Fresh Out Of Ideas
Things did not improve in the second half for Swansea with inceptions of creativity difficult to manufacture and that is all it took for Sunderland to double their lead. No sooner had the thought occurred to Gardner that a 25 yard volley was looping on the diagonal over a dumbfounded Michael Vorm.
Bardsley was brilliant in keeping out Sinclair who maybe didn’t attack him enough, and then keeping Routledge at bay. Sunderland’s wide midfield players were quick to double up on the likes of Sinclair and Dyer, with the centre mids offering protection to the centre backs. This was highlighted by the fact that Graham was only able to complete 11 out of a total of 15 passes he attempted in this game. McEachran joined Swansea on loan from Chelsea this week, he was brought on to help change the game, but could not make his mark on the game. Although 24/25 passes on your away debut isn’t a bad start when looking to play regularly with the Swans.
Respect
This was an exceptional, tactically astute, performance by Sunderland and more teams will look to emulate this against Swansea in the future. Sunderland gave Swansea the respect they had earned from their previous games. They remained compact in defence, recovering quickly and mainly looked to play on the counter attack.
So I would not be surprised if Rodgers watches this game a fair few times. Also I expect the whole backroom staff will enjoy analysing the game and making comparisons with previous examples. In order to find ways of improving further, and breaking down teams that set up to defend deep against a very good passing side.
(written for www.eplindex.com with stats from Opta)
The Proof Is In The Pudding (15/01/2012)
Swansea City FC welcomed Arsenal FC to the liberty stadium for a mouth watering, ‘total football’ encounter. Ninety four minutes of passing football did not disappoint.
Flowing First
Arsenal started off on the front foot creating the early openings and broke the deadlock in the fifth minute. The most lethal striker in England over the whole of 2011 was left totally unmarked by Caulker. Arshavin found Van Persie, standing alone in the inside right channel, who drove into the box and crashed the ball inside the near post to put Arsenal ahead. It took a short while for Swansea to settle down, but after that they dominated the game. Dyer collected the ball in the 18 yard box and was deemed to have been fouled by Ramsey. Sinclair dispatched the penalty with precision to level the scores with sixteen minutes gone.
While analysing I checked the possession stats and Swansea had an incredible 64%, while my colleague doing Arsenal mentioned 67% at one point, during the first 30 minutes or so. He was shocked that for the first time in many Arsenal games, he had some time on his hands to recheck some of his analysis; Swansea ended the half with 61.2% possession.
Spectacular Second
Swansea took the lead in the second half and the goal was initiated by Allen, stealing the ball off Ramsey – another mistake by the Arsenal midfielder. Allen was then allowed to run at the goal, just left of centre, and at the edge of the box he played the ball into Dyer on the right. Dyer took a touch and smashed the ball through the smallest of gaps between the Arsenal players. Arsenal brought the game level in the sixty-ninth minute with Djourou playing a through ball from deep for Walcott, who dinked the ball over Vorm.
Almost straight from the kick off Swansea regained possession and Sigurdsson slid a 40 yard through ball up the right hand side. Graham timed his run to perfection, and curled the ball across Szczesney’s body into the bottom corner. Swansea relinquished possession and defended as a unit towards the end of the game, but still managed 55% over 94 minutes.
Global Glorification
I have watched Swansea City and analysed them every week, and I am forever singing their praises, telling people at work and elsewhere, what an incredible outfit they really are. The appraisals are usually shrugged off as, 'yes they are good, but not THAT good'.
This was the chance for Swansea to show the world how good they really are and increase their status as a side to be reckoned with. By all accounts and stats they out-shone Arsenal, beating them at their own game.
Special Statistics
Swansea completed 422 out of 526 passes while Arsenal completed 337 out of 428 passes (Swansea completed almost as many passes as Arsenal attempted in the whole game). This means that Swansea attempted 6 passes a minute and 10 passes for every minute they were in possession. The ball was actually in play for an incredible 69 minutes, normally this is around the 50 minute mark, rarely going above 60 minutes. Therefore Swansea had the ball for 39 minutes and attempted 13 passes per minute (over 1 pass every 5 seconds). Also the ground passes completed by Swansea, excluding headers, high passes and throw-ins, totalled 380.
Nine years to this weekend, Swansea City were five points behind Exeter City at the bottom of the Football League. Now they are the 4th highest ranked team in the Premier League possession charts, and the 6th most accurately passing side in Europe (ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal); whilst sitting 10th in the Premier League.
Every week I tell people they have to watch Swansea play, and now they know why that is!
(written for www.eplindex.com with stats from Opta)
Swansea City FC New Year's Round Up
The first of three games in seven days for Swansea. Both teams have just been promoted to the EPL and are holding their own against the more established clubs. This was a big game for both teams to gain points and bragging rights.
QPR started well, but Swansea were first to break the deadlock in the 14th minute, with a well taken goal from Graham. Routledge played a difficult ball from deep on the inside right channel. Graham controlled it with his mid-rift (and an unintentional touch with the arm) in the centre of the 18 yard 'D', and curled the ball past the keeper's left hand into the bottom corner.
After a long clearance by QPR was flicked back by Britton, mid-way in his own half; the ball went through the defence and Mackie slotted it past Vorm for the equaliser. The draw for QPR was not totally undeserved.
Swansea had more possession (55.7%) than QPR as expected and were generally the better team throughout the ninety minutes, but again failed to create enough opportunities. QPR had 14 Shots and 4 on target, while Swansea had 8 Shots and 3 on target. This had also been a stand out stat in Swansea's previous games, along with a lack of crosses. Swansea were unlucky to conceded in that fashion, but with fewer opportunities created, they reduce the probability of winning any game.
Swansea City FC vs Tottenham Hotspur FC (31/12/2011)
New Year's Eve brought Tottenham Hotspur to the Liberty stadium. Both teams had been playing a beautiful brand of football, so this was expected to be a game for lovers of 'total football'; what followed was ninety minutes of joy.
Both teams kept the ball well; building up attacks with patience, flow, support, movement and accurate passes, brilliant to watch. Dyer set the tone for the game with a rasping shot in the 5th minute, well saved by Friedel.
Tottenham opened the scoring as Ekotto attacked Richards at right back; cutting inside then beating him on the outside to deliver a low cross, which was deflected into Van Der Vaart's path for a volley. The ball was heading straight at Vorm but another deflection off Williams sent it into the bottom right corner of the goal. A sucker punch by Spurs at the end of the first half.
Swansea were arguably the better side in the first half. During the second half they came out and piled on the pressure to grab the equaliser in the 83rd Minute. Once again it was a full back, Rangel, who put in a speculative low cross from the corner of the 18 yard box. A mix up between Friedel and his defence allowed Sinclair to tap in from close range and the city of Swansea exploded. You could feel the jubilation in the stadium and imagine the euphoria in pubs, sports bars, and living rooms.
Many would have expected Spurs to pin Swansea back and go for the winner, however the jacks were doing all the attacking and could have taken all three points.
By the end of the game Swansea, once again, had more Possession (55.8%). But what impressed me the most was that Swansea took 13 shots with 4 on target, while spurs had 10 shots with 5 on target. A big improvement against a big side; and Swansea kept the danger men, Bale and Modric, pretty quiet throughout the game.
The performance received high praise from Harry Redknapp who admitted that Swansea deserved their goal ''the last 25 I have to say they deserved a goal and they played very well'' and that he "would be surprised if they went down".
Aston Villa FC vs Swansea City FC (02/01/2012)
The final league game in this batch of fixtures came against Aston Villa at Villa Park. Villa hadn't been in great form during the first half of the season, but came into this game off the back of a 3-1 win at Chelsea. Swansea had not registered a win in the last four games but after the performance against Spurs they were full of confidence. You could feel that they had the momentum going into this game.
It wasn't long before that momentum materialised into a positive release of energy. An error from Warnock in the 4th minute, allowed Dyer to sweep the ball away in the Aston Villa half and drive towards the goal. Dyer hit a low fizzing shot from just inside the penalty area; it deflected off Dunne and went past the keeper's right hand.
Swansea completely outplayed Villa in the first half, and a segment of beautiful possession football from
Swansea City Fc vs Newcastle and Everton (Away)
Smart Swans
There have been many comparisons made this season between Swansea City this year and Blackpool FC last year. But one thing is for sure, Swansea know how to defend, and do a better job of it.
Newcastle Away
Newcastle United dominated the game on 17/12/2011, in the attacking sense having 22 shots compared to 3 for Swansea. But Brendan Rodgers went there with a game plan, and it worked. Newcastle are doing very well this year and to come away with a point was a good result. Swansea had 51% possession, showing they weren't scared to get on the ball and knock it about as they always do, but there was little intention from the central midfielders to break forward and join in with the attack.
Everton Away
Against Everton FC, Swansea appeared to be a little more adventurous, opening up and trying to attack Everton when the time was right. However, the main focus was once again on defending well and making sure they kept yet another clean sheet. Once again Swansea had more of the ball, but total number of shots were 16 to 5 in Everton's favour (and only 1 of those shots hit the target for Swansea). Everton's Osman scored the only goal of the game with a header from a corner kick. After the game Rodgers claimed that Swansea should have had a goal kick instead of the corner being given to Everton.
For me it's smart tactics, Newcastle are flying and Everton are a solid mid table team, getting two points from those games would hit the expected target. Blackpool went all out and lost smart points, Rodgers looks like he's trying to pick up smart points, that's the difference.
A striker and a quick CAM would help a lot in January, at least one central attacking player is needed from what i can see.
Christmas Crackers
You look at the fixtures and think just about every game is tough. But Swansea control possession so well, it means they have a better chance of a result (see previous blog).
I do expect Swansea to have a go at QPR next time out at the Liberty Stadium; if they sit back, then I can understand fans questioning the strategy. The Tottenham Hotspur game on New Year's Eve is just one for everyone to enjoy. Fans will expect Swansea to lose, hope for a result, but they know they will get the best football of the weekend. I can't believe it's not on TV but I have the good fortune of analysing it live.
There have been many comparisons made this season between Swansea City this year and Blackpool FC last year. But one thing is for sure, Swansea know how to defend, and do a better job of it.
Newcastle Away
Newcastle United dominated the game on 17/12/2011, in the attacking sense having 22 shots compared to 3 for Swansea. But Brendan Rodgers went there with a game plan, and it worked. Newcastle are doing very well this year and to come away with a point was a good result. Swansea had 51% possession, showing they weren't scared to get on the ball and knock it about as they always do, but there was little intention from the central midfielders to break forward and join in with the attack.
Everton Away
Against Everton FC, Swansea appeared to be a little more adventurous, opening up and trying to attack Everton when the time was right. However, the main focus was once again on defending well and making sure they kept yet another clean sheet. Once again Swansea had more of the ball, but total number of shots were 16 to 5 in Everton's favour (and only 1 of those shots hit the target for Swansea). Everton's Osman scored the only goal of the game with a header from a corner kick. After the game Rodgers claimed that Swansea should have had a goal kick instead of the corner being given to Everton.
For me it's smart tactics, Newcastle are flying and Everton are a solid mid table team, getting two points from those games would hit the expected target. Blackpool went all out and lost smart points, Rodgers looks like he's trying to pick up smart points, that's the difference.
A striker and a quick CAM would help a lot in January, at least one central attacking player is needed from what i can see.
Christmas Crackers
You look at the fixtures and think just about every game is tough. But Swansea control possession so well, it means they have a better chance of a result (see previous blog).
I do expect Swansea to have a go at QPR next time out at the Liberty Stadium; if they sit back, then I can understand fans questioning the strategy. The Tottenham Hotspur game on New Year's Eve is just one for everyone to enjoy. Fans will expect Swansea to lose, hope for a result, but they know they will get the best football of the weekend. I can't believe it's not on TV but I have the good fortune of analysing it live.
