Mark looks at what the season can tell us about Swansea City and their playoff chances.
Swansea City gained their place in the Championship play offs after drawing 2-2 with Reading with two games to spare. That sounds like a very decent achievement and a campaign to be proud of, and it is. But for many Swans fans this season and particularly the way it has played out recently, will be one of what ifs and missed opportunities.
The Swans’ strange season
The Swans have not dipped below the top 6 all season and have enjoyed fantastic highs. The pinnacle was probably the night we eased past champions Norwich 2-0 at the Liberty. A performance so dominant many supporters began to really believe we could go up automatically. Sadly, our form and Norwich’s form parted ways following that early February, Friday evening. Norwich to date have gone on to rack up 12 wins, 2 draws and only 2 defeats whilst the Swans have recorded only 7 wins, 3 draws and 7 defeats. Pretty much bang average Championship form.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe difficult period following that February evening contained a fortnight all Swans fans will want to forget. A 3-0 away loss at Bournemouth followed by a horrible 0-1 South Wales derby defeat. The pain then continued in our next two games with last minute goals from Birmingham and Preston sinking our promotion push. Four games, four losses and no goals scored. In fact, it’s been a year of conceding last minute winners as we followed those up with two more against QPR and Reading.
The last-minute goals have cost us 5 points and helped deliver the second automatic promotion spot to Watford on a plate. And it’s this lack of pressure on Watford going into the crucial bit of the season that rankles the most. Especially given we are playing them on the last day of the season. A game that should have been a Premier league winner takes all cup final match in itself.
Bizarre game
The most bizarre game of the season was probably against Bristol City at home in late February. We played close to our best football of the season creating at least a dozen fantastic chances with Bristol clearing several efforts off the line. Their keeper pulling off great save after great save. We went in 0-0 at half time, managed to take the lead early in the second half. But then completely lost our heads, conceding 3 horrendous goals and losing a match 3-1 that we should have won by six. This game was preceded by a 4-1 away loss to Huddersfield. Going into the game, we were top of the Championship form table and they were bottom. Typical Championship logic.
Season positives
But we are where we are and there are plenty of positives to look at too. Steve Cooper delivered a second play off place in consecutive seasons on his 100th Swansea City game in charge, and still only in his second senior management season. He deserves massive credit and is learning all the time. We lost Joe Rodon at the beginning of the season, lost the goal power of Rhian Brewster and watched Morgan Gibbs-White depart the Liberty, recalled by Wolves just after he had recovered from injury. He looked a fantastic player in a Swans shirt and is welcome back anytime.
Embed from Getty ImagesWe also witnessed a cruel, season ending injury to striker Jordan Morris early in 2021, along with fellow striker Liam Cullen, who has only just recovered. These losses made a huge dent in our ability to compete against Premier league squads. It is no surprise to see all three relegated Premier league teams storm ahead in the latter part of a long season with their big and talented squads.
Embed from Getty ImagesOverall, this Swans team has been built on solid defence with season long, big shifts from the likes of Marc Guehi, Ryan Bennett, wing back Jake Bidwell and Welsh duo Ben Cabango and Connor Roberts. In fact, Connor has enjoyed his best season for the Swans with his tireless wing back running. Form Wales fans will hopefully enjoy at the Euros. Keeper Freddy Woodman looked all set to win the golden glove in record style and has mainly played to a very high standard this season. But there have been some slip ups, which you’d expect from a young keeper. He has still collected an impressive 20 clean sheets which tops the GK table.
Swansea City quality
The team contains plenty of star quality from Jamal Lowe and Andre Ayew. When the frontmen click we look capable of beating anyone. This has been well illustrated in the goals scored against Reading recently, throughout April (7), and in a season total of 30 evenly spread between the two. In midfield we have usually played the trio of Grimes, Fulton and Hourihane who are all excellent footballers capable of chipping in with goals too (12 between them).
Embed from Getty ImagesThere are plenty of players primed to step in when required. In midfield we have an attacking, creative option in Dhanda or a more defensive, safeguarding role from Smith. In defence we have the experience and versatility of Naughton, centre back cover from youngster Latibeaudiere and good wing back options from Manning. We have two young attacking options in Cullen and Whittaker. Both are keen to establish themselves and have the vast skill set of veteran Routledge. All these players have made good contributions this season. Cooper has created an enjoyable work environment for the players and that has helped develop a good team spirit.
What does this mean for the playoffs?
If we can keep it solid at the back, cut out the horrible habit of conceding last minute goals and find our quick passing game, the goals will arrive. Swans fans can start getting excited about the play offs and be optimistic. Our record versus the top 6 this season is impressive. Against our top 6 rivals we have won 4, drawn 3 and lost only 2. That is a strong record and one we can certainly take confidence from. For the last two league games Cooper has suggested some players might get a rest and some experimentation might take place. But wherever and whoever we end up playing in the play offs, we know we can beat any of them. Especially over two legs and we will take the experience of last season’s play-offs into those matches. All to play for.